Chapter 18

For two years, Stellan had never given up searching for Celine in their home country. Unless her body were found, he wouldn't accept that she was dead. He went to every major ceramics exhibition, following even the faintest hint of a lead. If Celine were still alive, he was sure that her passion for ceramics would leave a trace. Now, the country's largest ceramics exhibition tour had arrived, featuring works by renowned artists from across the globe. Stellan studied the artworks one by one until he came to an abrupt halt in front of a particular display. A series titled "Phoenix Rising" captivated him entirely. The ceramic series centered on phoenixes as its theme. Glazed in fiery red, the mythical birds looked wreathed in flames, their feathers rendered with striking realism. Together, the pieces depicted a phoenix's triumphant rebirth as it broke free from bondage and rose from the fire. Stellan's heart gave a sudden thud. These works seemed to hold Celine's very spirit. He rem