The Earth Kingdom was nothing like Sophia expected.
Far from being a land of rigid mountains and gray stone, it was alive—pulsing with green and gold, vast forests tangled around cliffs, and moss-covered cities that blended into the terrain like living murals. Trees towered high as fortresses. Roots formed bridges across ravines. The air felt dense with power—calm, steady, but ancient.
Their caravan approached Thalmarun, capital of Earth and seat of its elemental sanctum. Massive gates carved into living rock opened slowly, revealing a thriving city nestled within a hollowed mountain.
Naida exhaled softly. "This place hums. Can you feel it?"
Sophia nodded. "It's like the ground is... breathing."
Thorne grunted. "Let's just hope it doesn't bite."
⸻
Inside the sanctum, Sophia was gree
