CHAPTER 9 - THE CITY OF LIGHT
240 Words
The portal closed behind them with a soft ripple.
Alora gasped.
They were no longer in the forest.
Before her stretched a breathtaking city built entirely from crystal and glowing stone. Towers spiraled into the sky like frozen lightning. Bridges floated between buildings. Rivers of glowing water flowed through the streets.
Creatures she had never imagined walked freely—winged beings, tall elves with silver eyes, and small glowing spirits that drifted like living lanterns.
“Welcome,” Cael said, “to Lumira.”
The City of Light.
Alora turned slowly, trying to take everything in.
“This place is… incredible.”
“It is one of the last free cities in the magical realm,” Cael explained.
As they walked through the glowing streets, people stopped and stared.
Not at Cael.
At Alora.
Some whispered.
Some bowed their heads.
A tall woman wearing armor made of shining glass stepped forward.
Her sharp eyes locked onto Alora’s glowing hand.
Then she knelt.
“Princess of Eldoria,” she said respectfully.
“The city welcomes you.”
Alora froze.
“Princess?”
Cael gave her a small smile.
“You did not think your bloodline would remain secret forever.”
But before Alora could respond, a loud alarm echoed through the city.
The sky above Lumira suddenly darkened.
Black clouds rolled across the glowing towers.
And in the distance… a massive shadow dragon spread its wings.
Nyxara had found them again.
- Writer
