The Hidden City

Chapter 6: The Tower

As Matt's vision cleared, he blinked rapidly, trying to bring his surroundings into focus. The faint hum of magic still tingled against his skin, leaving a lingering, electric sensation. Instinctively, he turned, expecting his father and Rocky to be right beside him. Instead, he saw Vince already standing by a massive floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out silently, while Rocky was making her way toward him.

Matt's gaze swept over the room, his shock growing as he took in what seemed to be a spacious reception area. He hadn't known what to expect—maybe a place that felt ancient, with stone walls and flickering torchlight, or even something primitive, as if they were stepping into a hidden world untouched by time. But this was nothing like that. 

To his right was a sleek reception desk, where a young woman stood with poised ease, her warm smile directed at him. She looked close to his age, with a natural confidence that seemed fitting for this place. Her tanned skin caught the light, adding a soft glow to her features, while her light green eyes, framed by dark blonde, loose waves, seemed to invite curiosity. There was something captivating about her calm demeanor, suited to someone welcoming newcomers into such a unique place.

"Welcome to Evershade, Mr. Johnson," she greeted, her voice smooth and practiced. The polished setting and her formal manner almost made Matt feel like he was checking into a high-end hotel rather than the hidden city they'd risked so much to reach. But he couldn't bring himself to respond; he was too overwhelmed by the newness of it all.

The room was tastefully arranged with modern, plush couches, low tables, and armchairs clustered in small groups. Some seating areas faced the reception desk, while others looked out toward the vast windows. Drawn to the light beyond, Matt slowly made his way toward the windows where Vince and Rocky stood, their faces lit by the breathtaking view before them.

When he reached the window, Matt's heart nearly stopped at the sight that awaited him. Below stretched a city unlike anything he'd seen—a blend of modern architecture and lush greenery woven together, framed by dense forests and rugged mountains. Evershade looked intentional, built with purpose, and different from the chaotic sprawl he was used to. Sleek buildings rose alongside clusters of trees and winding rivers, creating an unusual harmony between nature and civilization. It felt as if this place had been designed to stay hidden, a world apart.

Toward the front, he noticed an open plaza—the city square—with a large fountain at its center, sending streams of water arching gracefully into the air, catching light as it fell back. From this height, he could make out people moving along stone pathways, browsing market stalls, and gathering in small groups. It was lively yet calm, as though everything here had its place, each person moving with quiet purpose. The sight filled him with both awe and wariness; he felt as though he were peering into a world that demanded both respect and caution.

Toward the western edge of the city, taller buildings clustered, hinting at a bustling district. Among them, a handful of gothic-style mansions caught his attention, their dark facades and elaborate details setting them apart. They looked old—older than anything else around them—and solid, as if they'd stood watch for centuries. The sight of them sent a small chill down his spine, sparking questions about the history those walls might hold and who lived behind them.

Beyond the city's boundaries, a dark mist loomed, blending with the edges of the forest like a shadowy barrier. It looked natural but felt deliberate, as if guarding the city from whatever lay beyond. Matt couldn't shake the feeling that this place was meant to stay hidden for a reason, that it held a purpose he didn't yet understand. Standing there, he was caught between wonder and unease, already aware that Evershade would be unlike any place he'd known.

He couldn't pull his gaze away, his mind whirling as he tried to take it all in. Evershade was both modern and mysterious, rooted in the natural world yet distinctly apart from it.