“Let's go check it out. Someone might actually need help,” Malcolm said, helping me to my feet before leading our group toward the edge of a cliff not far from where we found the Silverspark roots.

“Help!” a voice groaned, followed by sobs.

“Hello! Is someone down there?” Malcolm shouted.

“Alpha! Alpha Malcolm, I'm down here!” the voice replied, sounding relieved.

We moved closer to the edge and looked over. It was a man I recognized—Theo, the keeper of the plant plots in my laboratory. “Theo!”

Malcolm immediately found a sturdy-looking branch and held it out.

“Grab on!” he commanded.

Theo, breathing heavily, tried to pull himself up. Seeing him...