Chapter 6

• Reaching the outskirts of the north—Leona can finally feel the sun rays carrying the warmth she has missed. But the way has only been silent, just like Kaelith wished for it to be. Though this time, it’s what she wanted.
• The snow has melted, and she can observe the details of the scenery; an eerie mist covers the land, a swamp-like place—the transition to this new world. She is in awe, yet she can’t speak what her heart feels. That dream has shaken her to the core, afraid to enjoy life.
• And Kaelith’s harsh opinion of her hasn’t changed, but has become worse.
• The air grows thick and wet. The houses they pass are built on wooden stilts, raised high to avoid the rising waters. Lanterns hang from ropes, swaying lightly in the fog and giving off a dull glow that barely reaches the ground.
• “Careful,” he warns as they pass one of the small and narrow wooden bridges built throughout this town.
• She weaves her hands, sensing this energy that she once felt in the north, yet here is more vibrant and clear. “Kaelith was telling the truth. There’s magic everywhere,” she thinks to herself. Yet, she keeps wondering, why did Atlas choose to hide all this, the changes that happened to this world.
• She remembers soaring in the sky alongside Dark, seeing the world from above, even meeting a young emperor of the Sun Dynasty. But her partner grew weary and decided to stay in Paradise. And this is when she lost all connection with what’s beneath.
• She shakes these thoughts, as her attention swifts toward something; a shrine. Elongated wood shaped like an enormous door and at its base, an ivory marble structure with the symbol of a tree on it.
• She moves toward it, brushing her fingers on the cold surface. Vines twist around the wood and stone, creating a beautiful decoration.
• “This is a shrine of the Aralith Weavers—druids that care about life,” Kaelith explains.
• “They worship someone?” she asks.
• “We worship Verenia—Goddess of Creation and Life.” A man appears wearing a muted green attire, wide sleeves, braided flowers acting as a belt placed loosely around the waist. “My name is Torvyn. Welcome travelers.”
• Leona and Kaelith bow gracefully as a sign of respect.
• “Come along, you must be exhausted if you just crossed the north,” Torvyn adds. Leona looks at Kaelith who agrees to follow the man.
• They pass the different houses and air begins to clear; the mist is gone and the sun is seen shining bright. People are walking down the street selling groceries and many goods, kids running around and playing in the mud.
• “So much life,” she whispers.
• “The mist is a natural protection, making outsiders believe that this is a ghost town,” Torvyn reveals.
• “Then why confess that to us? We might be bandits,” Leona says.
• “I’m an excellent judge of character.” The man winks at them.
• They continue on, people greeting them as they go, until they reach a wooden house. Plants and flowers are blooming, ornamenting the place.
• “This is the city of Fen, isn’t it?” Kaelith claims and then man confirms it. “I’ve heard stories of this place, how it’s haunted and full of ghouls. Who knew…”
• Torvyn smiles. “Come in.”
• They enter the house filled with people—an old woman like him and young children playing around.
• “You have a lovely home,” Leona comments.
• “This is my family, Veska—my wife, and these are some orphans we have taken under our care,” he introduces them.
• Veska bows softly and invites them to eat with them.
• “No, shouldn't—" Leona tries to decline but Kaelith’s tight grip around her wrist stops her mid-sentence. “It’s an insult to deny them,” he whispers.
• They sit around the dinner table, sharing a meal together. Leona says nothing, thinking if she should reveal her nature to them or not.
• “Where did you find them, you said?” Veska asks.
• “Near the shrine of Verenia,” Torvyn answers.
• “Oh, yes. Here, we worship the Mother of Creation,” Veska comments and Leona is left wondering, “What about Atlas?”
• “Atlas?” Leona murmurs.
• “What about him?” Veska responds.
• “Isn’t he—” Kaelith’s eyes narrow on her. She ignores him and continues, “Isn’t he the God of All?”
• Torvyn chuckles. “You know Atlas isn’t the only God in existence, right?”
• “I—I know. I just thought…” she pauses, seeing how naive she must look.
• “No one doubts him. But, he isn’t the only one that can create,” he says gently.
• “Then, where were they all these centuries ago, when the Dragon Warriors existed?” she wonders.
• “Imprisoned. Many of them had no power… because—”
• Kaelith interrupts him, shaking his head.
• “What?” Her eyebrows knit together.
• “Let’s not offend them, Leona,” he says, his eyes sharp.
• “I didn’t mean to—”
• “Nonsense! You are not offending us!” Torvyn exclaims.
• “So, what am I missing?” she says, almost pleading.
• Veska shares a look with her husband. There’s a silent agreement and Kaelith murmurs, “This won’t end well.”
• Torvyn takes a deep breath. “It is said… it is said Atlas was the one that imprisoned them—the Gods that exist today.”
• She feels as if the air is sucked right out of her. “I’m sorry, what? W—why?”
• “We aren’t sure of the reason behind this, but the moment he claimed his Dragons, everyone was released and allowed to roam freely,” he continues.
• “No—this doesn’t make sense… the Atlas I know—”
• “Leona, don’t!” Kaelith’s voice echoes.
• Silence spreads, and Leona refuses to meet Kaelith’s gaze. It’s all unbearable and she jerks up from her chair. She sprints outside and the prince is ready to go after her. Veska stops him and she joins Leona.
• “I’m sorry, I ruined your dinner,” Leona whimpers.
• “You did not! You asked a valid question, and I can understand that you won’t be able to accept it,” Veska responds gently.
• Leona’s watery eyes are pinned on her. “Why would you—” she stops, realization settling in. “You know… you know that I am a Dragon.”
• Veska smiles gently. “We do, both of us do.”
• “You didn’t say anything,” Leona responds.
• “We didn’t want you to feel… uncomfortable. The world has significantly changed. And some people will try to harm you for what you are,” she says bitterly.
• “But you are kind.” Leona smiles crookedly. “So… Atlas—”
• “You don’t have to believe us,” she cuts in.
• “How can I know then? I need to know for myself,” Leona says.
• The old woman taps a finger on her lips, thinking. “There might be a way, if she agrees.”
• “Who?” Leona wonders.
• Veska stands up and urges her to do the same. “Verenia. You can ask her.”