Lost in a chapter

Three

The soft glow of the Aurathen landscape began to take shape around her, a stark contrast to the cold, dark beauty of Sylvarune.

The trees here were different, their golden leaves glinting in the warm light of twin suns which hovered low on the horizon. The air carried a faint sweetness, the scent of woodsmoke and wildflowers drifting past her with every step. Tora’s fear wavered as her surroundings grew more enchanting, but unease still clung to her thoughts. Am I safe here? she wondered. No, Marthos said to trust her, she thought to herself, and for some reason she did.

Ahead, the trees thinned, revealing a sight that took Tora’s breath away. The palace of High King Aureth rose majestically above the land, its gleaming white stone walls framed by sprawling gardens. The structure seemed to merge effortlessly with its surroundings, as though nature itself had crafted it. The vibrant colours of the foliage, deep oranges, soft yellows, and rich reds, only added to its allure.

As they entered the palace grounds, Tora’s steps faltered. The soldiers leading her exchanged a glance before one of them gestured for her to keep moving. The courtyard stretched out like a masterpiece, filled with lush greenery, fountains adorned with statues of beings similar to Marthos, flowerbeds were bursting with life. It was undeniably beautiful.

Other soldiers led her inside, their boots clicking softly against polished marble floors. The grand hallway was lined with towering windows that allowed sunlight to spill in, illuminating the ancient carvings along the walls. Tora’s unease grew with every step, her heart pounding in her chest as they approached a set of massive doors.

When the doors were pushed open, Tora gasped softly. The throne room was enormous, its high ceilings opened to the sky, and its walls lined with tapestries depicting battles and triumphs. At the far end of the room, seated on a throne carved from what looked like shimmering crystal, was a figure who exuded both power and poise.

“Come forward,” the figure called out, his voice calm yet commanding.

Tora hesitated, her breath catching in her throat. She glanced at the soldiers, who gestured for her to proceed. Slowly, she stepped into the room, her footsteps echoing faintly in the vast space.

As she drew closer, the man’s features became clearer. High King Aureth was very attractive, his copper eyes sharp and captivating, as though they could see into her very soul. His dark brown hair, streaked with gold, framed his flawless face, highlighting strong cheekbones and a firm jawline. Behind him, magnificent wings shimmered with hues of gold, white, and copper, adding to his ethereal beauty. He radiated both power and grace, a presence impossible to ignore. He was dressed simply, in a white shirt and trousers of earthy tones, but his air of authority made it clear he needed no lavish adornments.

“Welcome to Aurathen,” Aureth said, rising from his throne with an effortless grace. He stepped toward her, his hands clasped behind his back. “You’ve caused quite the commotion.”

Tora swallowed hard, her voice caught in her throat. “I… I’m sorry,” she managed, her words barely a whisper.

Aureth tilted his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. “You have no need to apologise,” he said, though his tone was unreadable.

“I didn’t mean to,” she said quickly. “I didn’t know what would happen. I didn’t even want to come here, I just…” Her voice trailed off as Aureth raised a hand, silencing her gently.

“Look, my sister sent word the moment she discovered you were Thoradian,” he said, his gaze fixed on her. “The portal being destroyed is great for Aetheris, our realm doesn’t need any disruptions, but you, you are a threat to Sylvarune, do you know why?”

Tora shook her head, her chest tightening. “Cause, I’m what you just said I was?” Tora guessed, unsure what the foreign names meant.

Silence hung between them for a moment, as Aureth seemed to be listening out for something in the distance, something Tora could now hear.

The doors burst open, and Solis strode in, his dark blue eyes blazing with a mix of anger and urgency. Tora’s breath hitched as her gaze landed on him. He was devastatingly handsome. His tall, chiselled frame, hardened by years of rigorous training, exuded strength and discipline. The fitted black tunic clung to his broad shoulders, hinting at the power beneath. His intense blue eyes met hers for a fleeting moment, and her heart raced with the feeling of a magnetic pull.

“Aureth,” he said sharply, tearing his gaze away to focus on the high king. “We need to talk.”

Aureth arched a brow. Amusement flickered across his face, as though he delighted in Solis’s frustration. “Must we?” he replied, his voice calm and composed. “I was just beginning to understand my new guest.”

Solis’s jaw tightened, a storm brewing in his expression. His gaze flicked to Tora for a brief moment, then locked firmly on Aureth. “Sylvain is threatening to wage war on Aurathen unless you hand her over.” His head tilted pointedly toward Tora, and her chest tightened under the weight of the revelation.

Aureth’s wings shifted slightly as he stepped closer, matching Solis in height and presence. His expression, now serious, hardened as his copper eyes searched Solis’s face. “Do you and my sister, not take your positions seriously?” Aureth asked, ignoring the threat of war for a slight moment. “She runs to you, and you allow her into your lands freely, vice versa”. Solis ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “Look, Sylvain has her locked up, don’t worry she’s fine, but he threatens her life for hers” he said again glancing in Tora’s direction.

“So, you suggest, I hand her over to you?”, “If you want to stop this war, yes” Solis admitted. Tora’s eyes widened. She didn’t want to go back but, she couldn’t let Marthos pay for whatever her presence had created. “I’ll go” Tora said, stepping closer to Solis. Aureth’s attention darted towards her. “You’ll be killed” he said. “She won’t, I won’t allow it” Solis cut in. Aureth nodded his head, “bring my sister back, Solis” he demanded before allowing them to leave. Tora walked uncomfortably near Solis, as he led her out of the palace. “I won’t let him hurt you” Solis said, as Tora felt his eyes pierce through her. “This might feel weird” Solis said, as he pulled her close to him, black swirls of smoke wrapping around them as they shadowed to Sylvarune.