The sphere began to glow. Not black, but white. Pure, bright, alive. Light poured from it in waves, washing over the city, touching every building, every street, every person.
And the people of Velos began to wake.
They blinked. They stretched. They looked at each other with wonder, as if seeing each other for the first time. Sounds returned. Colors returned. Memories returned.
The city was alive again.
The child opened its eyes. "It is done."
"Thank you," said Seong.
"No. Thank you. You reminded me that I am not empty. That I was never empty. I was just... waiting. Waiting for someone to see me."
"We see you now," said the queen. "And we will not forget you again."