Chapter 178. Our Kingdom

*Isla*

“The pool of life.”

Aunt Mary stops in front of a crystal clear pool of water that shimmers in the light of the Blood Moon. A slight tinge of pink casts down on it from the crimson orb above us. This is it. It’s time for us to free the treasure and return the Diamond of Faith to its rightful owner—Maddox.

Since I arrived on the island, I’ve found myself to be far stronger than I ever imagined I might be.

I’ve stood up to a witch and defeated her, trekked through the jungle, lifted a curse, and found a sacred pool with life-giving powers.

Perhaps what’s been the hardest task to complete of all of them, though, is telling Maddox no.

I will never forget the look on his face when I stood up to him and told him that I was not leaving until my mission was complete, and if he wanted to go back without me or his son, that was his prerogative, but the baby would be staying here with me.

He’d been bluffing. I knew that. Not only did he care abo