I follow no Red String of Fate. The path I take is the one I know.
I know this city, and I know its many streets—its gardens, its canals, its alleys, its people. The main boulevard leading to the Sea God’s palace is empty. The gates are flung wide. For the last time, I climb the steps and walk through the doors.
I run into Namgi and Kirin in the first courtyard.
“Mina!” Namgi races up to me, grabbing me in a strong embrace. I hug him back just as fiercely.
“You’re here!” I shout. “I was so afraid I wouldn’t see you before—”
“Mina, something extraordinary happened!” Namgi says. He leans back, and I get a good look at his face. There’s joy there, and wonder. “We know everything, about the emperor, about the Sea God. Shin is the Sea God! Can you believe it?”
“Where is he?” I ask.
“In the hall. We arrived right before you.”
Kirin approaches from behind Namgi, his always astute eyes watching me carefully. “What were you saying, Mina? That you wouldn’t see us before…？”
I release Namgi, stepping back. “We might have regained our memories, but the effects of the emperor’s wish are still upon us. For a hundred years my people have suffered from the storms—this is true. But also, because of the absence of the emperor, our country has been embroiled in constant wars. In order to have lasting peace, we need both the emperor and the Sea God returned to us, and there’s only one way that can happen.”
Kirin catches on quickly. “You have to make a wish.”
“But…” Namgi glances between us. “A wish like that is just as powerful as the emperor’s. Anything could happen. Should you make a wish to send the Sea God and the emperor back to where they belong, it’s possible that not only Shim Cheong, but you will also be sent back, as neither of you have become spirits yet.”
“It’s the only way,” I say softly. “Namgi, you once asked if I was a bird or a bride. I think I am both and more. Though to you, I’d like to believe I am a friend.”
“The very best,” Namgi says, choking back tears.
“And, Kirin.” I turn to the silver-eyed warrior, so steady and loyal. “I don’t have faith in anyone as much as I do you when it comes to Shin’s safety and well-being. You are the most trustworthy of companions.”
“You honor me,” Kirin says quietly.
Before I break down entirely, I turn from them, fleeing through the next set of doors. In the courtyard before the Sea God’s hall, I find the dragon. It fills the entirety of the large space, its restless body beating against the walls. At the sight of me, the dragon goes still.
I step forward, locking gazes with the great beast. Its sea-dark eyes seem familiar to me, and I’m enveloped in a feeling of safety and warmth. Stepping between its feet, I pass beneath its massive jaw. The heat of the dragon’s breath warms the top of my head.
Once past, I turn back, and hold out my hand. The dragon lifts one of its claws and places the pearl gently into my palm. It’s the size of a pebble. Curling my hand around it, I hurry up the short steps into the Sea God’s hall.
“Shin!”
He’s slumped on the floor halfway down the hall. I rush forward and fall to my knees beside him.
“You know the truth now,” he says, “of who I am, of what I’ve done. I am the Sea God. I am the one who takes and never gives.” His voice is filled with a bitter agony.
My heart aches for him. For a hundred years, his people have suffered, the people he was sworn to protect. For Shin—stalwart, loyal, devoted—it must feel like the greatest betrayal of his soul.
“No,” I say firmly. “You’re the one who saved the emperor. You gave your soul to him when he was dying, the soul of a god. You knew only that amount of power could save him.”
“I remember,” he whispers, turning to me. “On a cliff by the sea, he made a wish to live.” He gazes at me with such vulnerability and wonder, and I realize, as much faith as I have in him, he has in me. “What happens now, Mina?”
I lift my hand between us, opening it slowly to reveal the pearl inside. “I make a wish, and restore you and the emperor to your rightful places.”
“And you?” he asks quietly. “In the story of the woodcutter and the heavenly maiden, she was sent back to the place where she longed to be, to her family. Is that what you want?”
My heart is breaking. Because his words call to a longing inside me. I want to see my family, my grandmother and brothers, to know they’re all right, to give a proper farewell. I want to work alongside the villagers in sowing new life into the fields, in building homes that last. I want to see the trees grow tall. I want to see my sister-in-law give birth to a healthy child. But just as much as I want all these things, I want Shin all the more.