Zuko and Toph had been holed up in the study for five days, tirelessly searching for any records of planes, trains, and ships entering or exiting Centrolis. They checked immigration records and reviewed highway surveillance cameras leading to other provinces, hoping to find a clue about Melvin’s possible mode of transportation. However, their efforts often ended in disappointment.

As the days passed, both of them grew visibly thinner, with disheveled hair and dark circles under their eyes. The constant search took a toll on their mental state, and they dreaded the thought of losing their loved ones.

After another failed attempt, Toph’s frustration boiled over, and he slammed the table in despair. Zuko, though expressionless, stared at the computer screen with bloodshot eyes, his restless fingers betraying his inner anxiety.

Toph turned to him, about to say something, but his voice choked, and he couldn’t utter a word. Zuko remained blank-faced.

The service staff visited several times, updating them on the Thompsons’ tireless search for the girls and the Hamertons’ unsuccessful efforts in finding any trace of them in Centrolis.

“I don’t believe they’re gone like this, Zuko,” Toph said, expressing his disbelief.

“I don’t believe it either,” Zuko quickly interrupted, not wanting Toph to voice his doubts aloud and secretly harboring his own disbelief.

He and Lina had made a promise never to let go of each other’s hands, no matter the circumstances. They vowed to always stay connected, no matter where they were. And now…

Zuko rubbed his temples and weakly leaned against the chair’s backrest. Exhaustion washed over him, and he closed his eyes, envisioning a starry sky. At that moment, he recalled a conversation about reaching the stars and fulfilling wishes.

his realization hitting him like a bolt of

something’s wrong,” he said, his voice

brow and asked, “What’s wrong,

Zuko replied, determination and confidence returning

location system interface on the computer. Though it was currently blank,

me a message,” he declared, his words

day of work on the ship. Despite the ship’s calm and peaceful atmosphere, they couldn’t shake off the feeling of uncertainty. They had been

labor since childhood, found the tasks manageable, but Lina struggled to adapt. Her delicate hands had become rough and

bed, completely drained and unwilling to move. Their heads leaned

while, Renee broke the silence, offering to give Lina a shoulder massage to alleviate her fatigue. Lina weakly declined, suggesting

the energy to sit up. “I have to go to the

pay off. While Lina focused on her duties, she had also familiarized herself with

time on the deck, using wind speed and direction to estimate their course

do you truly

calculations indicate,” Renee replied, drawing a rough map on a piece of paper. “Based on the wind’s speed and direction, we should reach Southeast Aciatic. Of course, it’s

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