Hated by her lineage, Iliya Dalaminai dwells in self isolation, awaiting the day her cousin marries so she might escape the Throne.
Feared by the Gods, Sorein Chakrine's crown is mainly a relic put on display at royal ceremonies to ward off evil.
Wh...
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The City of the Lost was more beautiful than Iliya ever imagined.
Standing on the dock between Azuris and the City, she was overwhelmed by the sharp, jagged slate covering the ground. Two carved paths forked away from one another, one heading into rolling fields of grass while another dipped into a mountainscape of shale.
Ocean slammed against their docked vessel.
The Onyx Sea was known for treacherous weather, rocks becoming pointed weapons ready to destroy even the toughest boats.
Within a world of stone was a wilderness of glistening minerals. From engraved arches to quartz lined walkways, Iliya had never seen so much crystal growing straight from the ground.
Dusk crept in, enhancing the rows of glowing blue and violet gems, golden wisps of light flickering beyond a veil of swirling smoke.
A dangerous and lovely place built to protect each and every soul.
As her party disembarked around her, she couldn't escape the nagging weight of the books stashed in her pack. A gentle fog parted into the sky and offered them enough light to find the entrance into the City.
"We call it Oilá Spiora," Sorein murmured into her ear, scaring her stiff. He chuckled lightly. "Spirit Island."
She hummed her response, offering a nervous smile. Sorein rarely spoke the Azurian language, either using the common tongue shared around the world or Therisi with her. Iliya often wondered how he balanced his love for Azuris with their sacred rituals.
No one knew the full extent of their country's inner workings.
Brushing past her, Sorein stood at the head of the group with foreign rigidity present on his features. She watched The Prince's patient waiting pay off as everyone eventually turned to him.
Iliya stared at the whirling barrier of mist protecting the City from outsiders, honing in on the figures walking through.
From the wafting shapes unfurling around her, she knew even this was an enchantment.
Intention mattered here.
"The City of the Lost is one of the most heavily guarded places on this planet," he said firmly. "Do not chase or engage with spirits, especially those who appear to you as loved ones. There are several creatures within the City who would use this to prey on you."
She stepped out from between Noah and Nixian, noticing a small silhouette standing on the other side of the barrier.
"Once you enter these gates, there will be exactly six hours before the atmosphere begins leaching into your lifeforce," Sorein continued, eyes settling on Elliott. "If you start feeling dizzy or faint for any reason, leave the veil immediately. This shouldn't be a problem, but if it is, I'll know I've warned you."
As he spoke, Iliya found herself lost to the image of a young girl who looked eerily similar to her. The only difference being dark brown hair and darker green eyes. She reached out to touch the wall when a voice snapped her out of it.
