Chapter 130 Crossing The Veil

• The shimmering portal loomed larger as the *Sea Serpent* drew closer, its surface rippling like water touched by the wind. It emitted a faint hum, a sound that resonated deep in the bones of everyone on board. The crew stood silent, their usual chatter replaced by a palpable tension.
• Kael emerged from below deck, his face grim. Ariella was resting, though her energy had yet to return after the Warden’s draining bargain. He joined Mora and Linnea at the bow, their gazes fixed on the swirling vortex ahead.
• “This is it,” Kael said, his voice low. “We go through, or we turn back.”