Chapter 3963

“Away from the Sea Heart, we can speak only from up close. While inside the village, instead, the houses relay our voices to the Sea Heart, which in turn spreads and amplifies them.

“Inside its area of effect, we can instantly share good and bad news like you surface-dwellers do by yelling.

“The Sea Heart breaks the isolation of the darkness and silence that always surrounds us, creating a deep bond between us merfolk over time. Its song allows us to perceive when someone is hurt or ill and to coordinate our actions against predators.

“Without the Sea Heart, we are prisoners of both our houses and bodies.”

“You’re going to need a new name for it once we find a way to make it work.” Lith spoke with a confidence that lifted the spirit of his chaperon. “This is your village now, and you don’t live in the sea anymore.”

“Blood Heart would be as ominous as redundant.” The merfolk nodded. “Desert Heart, maybe?”

“It sure would make Grandma happy.” Lith said as he stepped in front of the stone resembling a seashell.