The moment Liora and Jalen touched the rings, the willow pulsed above them. A low hum filled the chamber, like an ancient song returning to life. The children's bodies stilled then trembled.
Visions flooded their minds: Dianne dancing barefoot in a flower field, Jimma sketching their dream home in the dirt, the soft click of their wedding rings slipping into place beneath the moonlight.
Liora gasped, tears streaming. "I remember the warmth of your hand, Jimma."
Jalen choked on a breath. "And the way you laughed when I burned the bread. Dianne…"
Their voices overlapped not as children, but as echoes of the lovers they once were. Melia stood frozen behind them, hand over her heart.
The willow's bark closed again with a groan, sealing the chamber, but the rings remained now glowing softly on the children's fingers.