Astra Fracta

Chapter Ten: Breaking the law.

The sun had dipped low behind the rooftops of Luneth, spilling a warm orange light across the streets as we walked. The city, now quieter, seemed almost serene—a rare calm that made the sound of our own footsteps unusually loud. Tiva trotted beside me, tail flicking, eyes glinting with her usual mischief, while Leora walked steadily ahead, her expression unreadable as always.

“Where exactly are we going?” I asked, breaking the silence. My voice sounded small against the fading light.

Leora glanced back briefly. “Somewhere to rest. Somewhere safe, at least for tonight.”

Tiva let out a soft chuckle. “Safe, huh? That sounds boring. I hope it has windows, a roof, and food. Oh, and beds. Soft beds.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her energy. “I’m guessing this isn’t a palace, then?”

“No,” Leora replied calmly, “but it will do.”

The building we arrived at was tucked into a quiet side street, unassuming and almost hidden. Its wooden sign creaked gently in the evening breeze. Warm light spilled from the windows, promising rest and shelter. The air smelled faintly of herbs and polished wood, calming in a way I hadn’t felt in days.

“This is it,” Leora said, pushing the door open.

Inside, the quiet was almost tangible. Wooden floors stretched smoothly beneath our feet, lamps hanging from the walls illuminated the space with a soft golden glow, and the distant murmur of voices drifted from somewhere far off.

Leora led us down a short hallway, opening the doors one by one. “This one’s mine,” she said, stepping aside. The room was neat, minimalistic, everything in its place. No unnecessary clutter, nothing out of order.

Tiva peeked in and rolled her eyes. “Seriously? This is boring. Where’s the fun in order?”

Leora didn’t even glance at her. “And this is yours,” she continued, opening the next door.

I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the chaos that greeted us. Equipment, trinkets, clothes, and half-eaten snacks were scattered across the room. “Wow,” I muttered. “It’s… lively.”

Tiva grinned proudly. “Creative, thank you very much.”

Leora exhaled softly, as if preparing herself for the next step. “This one’s temporary, for you.”

I stepped inside. Simple. Just a bed, a chair, and a small table. And yet, in the quiet, it felt like a sanctuary.

“If you want to sleep, sleep. If not, that’s fine too,” Leora said, her voice steady. “Rest, however you choose.”

I nodded and shut the door behind me. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I let the silence wash over me. My thoughts returned immediately, heavy and relentless.

How did I even get here?

I stared at the ceiling, memories of the machine flashing in my mind—the way it had broken down, the sudden surge of light, the chaos that followed. The name of that world echoed inside me. Its name… its memory… what was it?The memory of that machine flickered in my thoughts, the one that had shown me visions of the past… its name, its purpose… I couldn’t remember clearly.

Questions stacked on questions. Why me? Was I chosen or just… thrown here?

Hours passed in silence. The night deepened, shadows creeping along the walls. My thoughts began to tire, heavy as lead, and finally sleep claimed me.

Morning light woke me again. The soft warmth spilling into the room felt comforting, yet I could feel the weight of the day ahead. Rising quietly, I stepped into the hallway.

No one was there.

“Guys?” I called softly.

A moment later, they appeared outside, waiting.

“You finally woke up!” Tiva said, her usual teasing lilt in her voice. “You were practically a corpse in there.”

Leora shot her a sharp glance. “Not the time.”

“Relax, I’ve got an idea,” Tiva interrupted, ignoring her. “Something that’ll make your sword fly.”

I frowned. “Your idea… again?”

“Yes! And I’m serious this time. You’ll see.”

Her mischievous grin faded slightly as her tone became more daring. “How about we go to the forbidden area?”

Leora immediately cut in. “No. Absolutely not. That’s against the law. You know the Count warned us. There’s a reason it’s forbidden.”

I blinked. “Wait… the forbidden area? Why is it such a problem? From the name alone, it sounds… intense, sure, but illegal?”

Tiva turned to me, eyes glinting. “Exactly! That’s why we go. It’s exciting. It’s dangerous. It’s what you’re supposed to do when adventure calls.”

Leora shook her head. “The forbidden area is the most dangerous part of Aerenreach. People who go there… never come back. The Count doesn’t want anyone else’s life wasted.”

Tiva smirked. “So, you’re scared, Lizra?”

“I’m not scared!” Leora said firmly. “It’s about law and reason.”

Tiva laughed softly, teasing. “And you call that bravery? Come on. You can’t live your whole life avoiding risk. Isn’t that dull?”

I spoke up quietly, heart pounding. “The area… it’s dangerous, sure. But… why is it forbidden? What’s really there?”

“Exactly,” Tiva said, flicking her ears. “That’s what I want to find out. Isn’t that what you want too, Arin?”

I hesitated. “I… I don’t know. But it feels wrong to ignore the rules. What if something happens?”

“Then it’s my fault,” Tiva said lightly, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Leora sighed. “Before you even think about it, we need to repair your sword.”

We made our way to the blacksmith. Tiva bounced beside me, muttering jokes and teasing me, while I worried quietly about the day ahead.

At the forge, the blacksmith worked meticulously, repairing the sword, strengthening the edge. Leora watched carefully, pointing out adjustments that would make it perfect.

When it was done, the weight of the sword in my hand felt different. Solid. Ready. Alive.

“Let’s go,” Leora said, gesturing toward the path leading out of the city.

As we stepped onto the road, the streets grew quieter, the forested hills approaching in the distance. The air shifted subtly—the usual hum of the world seemed thinner, as if the land itself were holding its breath.

“Is it always this quiet?” I asked nervously.

Tiva grinned. “Not quiet. Just empty. For now.”

The journey was tense yet strangely serene. Nothing stirred around us. No animals, no birds, no creatures of any kind. I tried to focus on the road ahead, but my mind couldn’t help wandering. Why does danger always look so calm at first?

By the time we reached the Silvae Waters, the lake that Leora had told me about, the water lay still, almost gray in the evening light. War, fire, and decay seemed etched into its surface.

"Yuck..", Tiva muttered quietly.

"You wanted adventure, right? Here it is." Leora said sharply.

“Be gentle,” Tiva added, laughing.

I said, "Yeah you need to handle it,"

Tiva said, disappointed, "You too, Arin?" She sighed in defeat.

The zone itself was silent, almost eerie. We moved forward cautiously, each step tightening the tension in my chest.

Then, the roar.

Behind us, steps thundered. Turning, we saw it—a dragon, massive and warped, its genes twisted by some dark power. Horns, jagged teeth, multiple mouths, glowing eyes.

We froze. There was no running. Only confrontation.

Leora and Niva attacked first, coordinated and precise. Tiva darted around, drawing attention, scattering the dragon’s focus.

"DO SOMETHING, ARIN!" Tiva shouted at me.

I hesitated. Watching them, my chest tightened. But then… I had to act. Leora and Tiva in danger.

And I did.

I unleashed my power. The strike hit. The dragon staggered, blinded partially by Leora’s skillful attack. It retreated, roaring into the darkening night, leaving us trembling yet alive.

Breath heaving, Tiva looked at me, grin wide and reckless. “Well? Let’s get out of here before we get caught.”

Leora nodded. “Back to the kingdom. Now.”

On our way back, three guards appeared seemingly from nowhere. “You have broken the law. Come with us immediately.”

Tiva laughed in disbelief. “We’re cooked.”

“That's our achievement for breaking the law” I muttered.

Leora didn’t comment.

One of the guards shouted "We have no time for your nonsense!"

Tiva muttered,"Harsh.."

The guards led us silently, the weight of the law pressing down behind us, the city gates looming ahead, with the Count waiting.

The castle loomed, silent and imposing, as the guards escorted us inside. We were led through halls lined with echoes of authority, into a chamber where the Count sat, eyes sharp and calculating.

"Welcome, Comrades," he said, voice firm. "You broke the law, and we will bring you to justice."

Tiva’s lips twitched. “We are cooked.”

End of chapter ten.