Chapter 553. The Shy One

Slowly, Zein moved closer to the shard, who was flinching for a bit. But it didn't run away, and Zein successfully held it, caressing the clear surface gently.

"Good job," he praised the shy child. "You're very good at hiding."

Gradually, the caressed shard shed off its wariness and came closer to Zein, getting out of the water it used to hide before. The translucent body got more opaque, just like the other shards, and it hesitatingly hovered in front of the guide's chest.

With a smile, Zein held the shard and gave it a firm hug. "It's okay, you're safe now. We'll make sure to protect you. I'll bring you to the others, so...you'll come with me won't you?"

The shard, which was hesitant before, pressed itself to Zein and trembled slightly, as if it had been waiting for a long time for a safe place. The familiar warmth of its origin, which had gradually been forgotten after hundreds of years, was coming back.