As the sun began to rise, warming the earth, a thin layer of fog settled over the vast expanse of Stillwater Meadows. Distant birdsong drifted through the air, soft and unhurried. The fog remained perfectly still, untouched by the wind, casting an ethereal, dreamlike veil over the landscape.

  Kael picked up his belongings and draped his coat over his shoulders, making his final preparations before setting out for Velthoria. The early morning air was cool, and the camp remained quiet. The rest of the group was still sound asleep—except for Selene.

  She sat comfortably on the boulder, her hands resting behind her for support. As the last guard of the night, she had kept watch to ensure nothing unexpected happened. She didn’t look at Kael as he moved about, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon, watching the sun slowly rise. In the stillness of the windless morning, her hair lay motionless, untouched by even the faintest breeze.

  She turned and looked down on Kael. Kael could feel her gaze fall on him but he remained indifferent, calmly gathering his last few items, before heading away.

  “Are you excited, Daire?”

  Kael paused for a brief moment, glancing at her before continuing. It was an odd question, but he didn’t particularly mind.

  “No.”

  His answer was simple, without hesitation.

  Selene watched him for a few moments, her expression slightly puzzled, before turning her gaze back to the sunrise, falling into silence once more.

  Kael picked up his cane, adjusted his coat, and without another word, started walking.

  As he moved away, a soft voice reached him.

  “Stay safe.”

  He barely paused, only flicking a glance back at her.

  Selene remained seated, leaning back on her arms against the boulder, her posture relaxed but her gaze distant. The golden morning light touched her face, yet she didn’t look at him, her eyes fixed on the horizon, lost in thought.

  Kael didn’t answer. Without another look, he turned away and kept walking, his steps steady as he made his way toward Velthoria.

  There was still a long walk ahead before he would reach the city. Torin had chosen to set up camp nearly a day's journey from Velthoria, ensuring they remained unnoticed and didn’t raise any suspicion.

  But this part of the journey was far more comfortable for Kael. For one, he was no longer under constant watch. Velthoria, like Farkath, had its own Luminaires, meaning Torin wouldn’t risk using his motes to spy on him. That alone put Kael’s mind at ease.

  And secondly, he could finally travel on an actual road. There was no need to hide his arrival, he planned to move freely through the city anyway.

  Sigh.

  Kael exhaled slowly as he stepped onto the cobblestone road. The months of travel had worn on him—not just physically, but mentally. The harsh conditions and unforgiving paths had been relentless. It was a welcome change to finally walk on something man-made, to feel the solid, even ground beneath his feet.

  Hours passed, and at last, buildings began to appear along the road. Small red cottages lined the path, their neatly arranged facades giving the area a quiet charm. Narrow dirt roads branched off from the main road, winding their way toward scattered houses, some nestled deeper into the landscape.

  Velthoria was a coastal city—or almost. It bordered the largest lake on the eastern continent, a body of water stretching over 400 million square kilometers. Technically a lake, but given its vastness, many simply referred to it as the ocean or the sea.

  A significant part of the city's trade relied on fishing and copper mining. Copper, in particular, played a crucial role not just in industry but also in the city’s appearance. It was commonly used to create paint, which was why so many of Velthoria’s buildings were painted red.

  Soon, Kael watched as the meadows gradually gave way to the outskirts of the city. Civilization was beginning to take shape around him. People moved about, carrying tools and supplies, while horse-drawn carriages rumbled along the roads, kicking up small clouds of dust. The once open landscape was now dotted with signs of daily life, the distant hum of activity growing louder with each step he took toward Velthoria.

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  The outskirts quickly faded behind him as the charming city of Velthoria unfolded around him. The streets were alive with movement, the buildings tightly packed yet inviting. Along the way, Kael offered a few polite nods to passing strangers, blending in without drawing attention.

  Kael paused briefly, observing his surroundings as he allowed himself a moment to adjust to the new city. He quickly sorted through his thoughts, reviewing the key tasks he wanted to achieve today. He had already decided not to seek out Syleena immediately; instead, he planned to first explore Velthoria, touring the streets and carefully noting the city's layout, landmarks, and important locations. It was better to familiarize himself with the city first—knowing its structure and having a clear mental map would undoubtedly serve him well later.

  He soon resumed his steps, making his way deeper into the city. The streets gradually became busier, lined with shops, stalls, and people going about their daily routines. Merchants called out their wares, the scent of freshly baked bread mixed with the salty breeze drifting in from the massive lake. The further he walked, the more Velthoria’s character revealed itself—red-painted buildings and the narrow alleyways winding between them.

  Kael moved at a steady pace, his gaze subtly scanning his surroundings.

  He only stopped when a small building came into view. It was painted red, just like many of the other wooden structures around it, blending seamlessly into the cityscape. White-trimmed windows decorated its facade, adding a subtle contrast to the deep red walls. At the entrance, two pots stood side by side, each overflowing with a vibrant mix of flowers, their petals swaying gently in the breeze.

  This was one of the places Syleena visited regularly. A small, unassuming café near the center of the city.

  Kael paused for a moment outside before stepping inside.

  The moment he entered, a wave of rich aromas engulfed him. Freshly brewed coffee, warm bread, and sweet pastries all blending together in a comforting embrace. The scent was thick in the air, wrapping around him like a heavy yet inviting presence.

  Soft golden light filled the café, washing over the wooden interior and casting a warm, welcoming glow. The atmosphere was calm, the quiet buzz of conversation mixing with the occasional clink of ceramic cups and the gentle rustling of pages from newspapers and books.

  Kael walked to the counter, placed his order, and then made his way to a corner table near the window. He sat down with a cup of coffee and a well-known pastry, one of the city’s favorites. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the scent of warm, flaky dough, adding to the comforting ambiance of the café.

  He exhaled slowly, leaning back slightly as he wrapped his fingers around the cup. The warmth seeped into his hands, grounding him in the moment. He took a slow sip, letting the rich, slightly bitter taste settle on his tongue. A cup of coffee was long overdue.

  For a while, he allowed himself to enjoy the quiet. The gentle murmur of conversation, the soft clinking of cups, and the golden afternoon light streaming through the window all added to the calm atmosphere. It was a rare moment of stillness in the otherwise calculated and cautious way he moved through the world.

  But moments like these could not last.

  Setting the empty cup down, he let out a quiet sigh and rose to his feet. He adjusted his coat, gave one last glance around the café, and then stepped back out onto the bustling streets.

  After that brief moment of peace, Kael continued his tour of the city.

  As he wandered through Velthoria, he found himself passing by all kinds of places—intricate fountains where people gathered, old monuments that stood as reminders of the city's history, and open parks where the air felt fresher.

  He strolled past bustling plazas filled with merchants shouting over one another, selling everything from fresh fruit to handmade trinkets. Street performers played instruments or juggled for coin, while kids darted between the crowd, laughing as they played. In quieter corners, people lounged on stone benches, lost in books or casual conversation.

  The deeper he went, the more the city revealed itself.

  Kael took it all in, memorizing the layout, noting key locations, and keeping an eye on the people around him.

  Kael eventually reached the coastline, his steps slow and steady as he followed the shore. After a while, he came across a lone bench perched on a cliff overlooking the water. Without hesitation, he walked over and sat down, his gaze settling on the horizon.

  Before him, the vast lake stretched endlessly, its surface shimmering under the golden light of the setting sun. The water rippled gently, reflecting the sky in brilliant hues of gold and amber, making it seem as if the lake itself had turned to liquid light. The air was calm, carrying the faint scent of salt and damp earth.

  This was also one of the places Syleena would visit at a specific time. Kael lingered for a while, taking in the view before finally rising to his feet and moving on.

  He made his way through a few more key locations, committing them to memory before heading toward an inn for the night. Stepping inside, he placed a few gold coins on the counter without a word, then walked upstairs to his room.

  It was small and simple—nothing extravagant, but it had everything he needed. A bed, a desk, and just enough space to move around. He shrugged off his coat, hanging it neatly on a hanger before stepping into the adjoining bathroom. Turning the faucet, he let the tub fill, the sound of running water echoing softly in the quiet room.

  As Kael sank into the warm bath, he felt his muscles finally start to loosen, the tension melting away with the heat. His mind, always running, slowly quieted, letting him just exist for a moment without planning or calculating his next move.

  He stayed there longer than he meant to, just enjoying the warmth before eventually dragging himself out. After drying off, he made his way to the bed and lay down with a quiet sigh. The mattress was soft, almost too soft after weeks of sleeping on the ground.

  Sleep took him before he even realized it.