Sophie’s heart raced as Elara’s words echoed: the Moonveil Sorceress was attacking the Moonheart, Thalindra’s magical core. The dimming moon and swirling clouds above Moonhaven signaled danger, and Sophie’s notebook, glowing in her satchel, held a cryptic image of a tide crashing over a cloaked figure. Taryn’s betrayal in the Coral Vault stung, but his plea—help me—lingered. Could she save him, or was the sorceress too powerful?

Marin rallied the tidewatchers, her staff glowing. “The Moonheart’s in the Deepreef, a sacred grotto. We move now.”

Kael squeezed Sophie’s hand, his teal eyes steady. “You’re not alone, storyteller. We’ll face this together.”

His touch sent warmth through her, easing her fear. Their kiss by the lagoon had changed something—Sophie felt braver with Kael near. She nodded, clutching her notebook. “Let’s go.”

Lumi glowed softly, floating ahead. “The Moonheart amplifies your tides, Sophie. Your stories will guide us.”

They boarded a coral boat enchanted to glide swiftly through Thalindra’s seas. The water was unnaturally dark, the curse’s shadows creeping closer. Sophie’s mark pulsed, and she opened her notebook. The cloaked figure’s image was clearer now, with eyes like Taryn’s—haunted, cursed. Her stomach twisted. Was the sorceress using him?

Kael sat beside her, his shoulder brushing hers. “You’re thinking about Taryn, aren’t you?” he asked, his voice low.

Sophie sighed. “He was kind once. If the sorceress is controlling him, maybe we can save him.”

Kael’s hand covered hers, his fingers warm. “You’ve got a big heart, Sophie. It’s why I—” He paused, his cheeks flushing. “Why I care about you.”

Her breath caught. The boat rocked gently, and the moonlight bathed them, making Kael’s scales shimmer. She leaned closer, her voice soft. “I care about you too, Kael. More than I thought I could.”

He grinned, his hand sliding to her cheek. “Good, ‘cause I’m not letting you face that sorceress alone.” His lips met hers, slow and warm, igniting a spark that chased away the cold. Sophie melted into him, her hands tangling in his damp hair. His touch was gentle but hungry, trailing down her neck, pulling her closer until their heartbeats synced. The world faded—curse, sorceress, all of it—leaving only them.

Marin cleared her throat, and they sprang apart, blushing. “Focus, you two,” she said, but her eyes twinkled.

The Deepreef appeared—a glowing cavern beneath a massive coral arch. Inside, the Moonheart pulsed, a crystal orb radiating silver light. But shadows writhed around it, and Taryn stood at its base, his armor cracked, eyes glowing green. The sorceress’s voice echoed: “Tidecaller, you’re too late.”

Sophie’s mark burned, and her notebook opened, revealing a new page: a tide lifting Taryn to the moon. Could she break his curse? As Taryn raised his staff, summoning shades, Sophie realized the sorceress was watching—through him.

Cliffhanger: Can Sophie save Taryn from the sorceress’s control, or is the Moonheart already lost?

Chapter 7: The Moonheart’s Whisper

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