Everyone could see that it was Loak, who had been missing all this time. He seemed to be smiling lightly.

By now, Cane and Dylan had reached them. Together, they lifted the man off Loak's back, exclaiming loudly, "It's Mr. Rory! It’s him!”

Joy surged in my heart. "Dad!"

As I was about to rush over, I saw Loak collapse.

"Loak!" Anya's crying voice echoed.

Stunned, I looked at the man they had brought down and then at the fallen Loak. My first instinct was to rush to Loak's side.

Atlas came