Chapter 3: The Healer’s Lie
The chariot rumbled down the marble-paved royal road, golden banners flapping in the wind. Caelen sat beside Lyra in silence, his silver hair swaying with the breeze. His mismatched eyes—green and blue—reflected the sprawling city that slowly gave way to grandeur.
In the distance, the palace emerged like a god’s fortress carved into reality. Towers stretched toward the heavens, made of crystal-white stone laced with veins of glowing blue mana. Floating runes circled its highest spires like orbiting stars. Walls made of shimmering silver glinted under the sun, guarded by statues that moved ever so slightly, as if alive. A waterfall of light cascaded from the main gate, mana flowing like liquid across its runes.
Caelen leaned out the window, his eyes narrowing.
"The kingdom of Valeriandria," he muttered to himself, breathing in the rich, clean air. "Ruled by the King... and his daughter, Lyra Flameborne."
He smiled faintly. "This brings back memories."
"Caelen?" Lyra’s soft voice snapped him from his thoughts.
He sat back just as the carriage halted at the grand obsidian gate. Two massive statues, carved in the image of flame-winged lions, loomed above them. Their eyes flared red.
BOOM. The gates swung open slowly, groaning like the earth itself had moved.
A royal guard ran toward them, bowing low as he extended a hand to Lyra. She took it gracefully, her golden hair glowing under the sun. She stepped down in elegance.
Caelen slipped down from the other side, quiet as a shadow, brushing invisible dust from his coat.
Together, they walked toward the palace, their silhouettes framed against the glowing entrance.