Elydes

Chapter 283 - Next Steps

Kai moved to the cupboard above the sink. Resting his hands on the counter, a tired sigh escaped his lips. He closed his eyes, distractedly taking notice of the runes engraved on the piping and the burrow of a red mouse below the house.

This wasn’t the archipelago any longer. There was so much he had yet to learn, from common appliances to the highest levels of power and magic he might encounter. Fascinating and dangerous, the mainland had brought the challenge he craved.

What he hadn’t foreseen was the slim amount of time he would get to gain his footing. One blow after another, Fate refused to allow him the tiniest breather. He had been tossed into the deep end: if he didn’t learn how to swim quickly, he’d drown.

I survived the Sanctuary. How much harder can this be?

Kai picked a stubby chalice from the cupboard and poured himself water from a ceramic jug. Drinking what he conjured through magic never tasted quite as good with its distilled purity.

His finger tapped on the glass, a thread of mana chilled the liquid out of habit. “Do you want some water?” He broke the awkward silence without turning.

“I’m good. Thanks.” Kea remained seated, lost in her own thoughts.