A vast stretch of desolate land unfolded before the twins, devoid of the enchantment they anticipated. Dead trees and an almost dried-up stream were the only companions in this barren landscape. The twins exchanged silent glances, subtly competing to determine who would break the silence.
"Alright, if Princess Kai here isn't going to spill the beans, I will. Do you need medical attention?" The question cut through the silence.
Ikzar pivoted to face them, a puzzled expression etched on his face. "Why?"
"Why? You painted Eldorem as this fascinating realm with magicians and peculiar creatures. I wasn't expecting a wasteland," disappointment resonating in her voice. "What's the deal?"
Ikzar chuckled, "Oh, I totally forgot you guys haven't started honing your powers yet. You just need a little boost in perception."
"Excuse me?" Venna interjected.
Ikzar unsheathed a blade and reopened his previous wound. "Watch and learn."
Venna's exclamation was cut short as she witnessed Ikzar dip a finger into his own blood and approach her. She instinctively recoiled. "What do yo u think you're doing?"
"It's a type of blood ritual we practice in Eldorem. Helps you see what's beyond the ordinary," Ikzar explained casually, marking her forehead with his blood. He repeated the process with Kai. Stepping back, he closed and reopened his eyes, grey pupils disappearing momentarily. "See," he uttered, more as a command than an observation.
The twins' eyes briefly mirrored his before returning to normal simultaneously.
"That was creepy," Kai remarked.
"More like cool," Ikzar chuckled, turning his attention to the desolate landscape. As if by magic, structures began to materialize-ancient stone houses with wooden doors replaced the mundane scenery.
"Come on, I'll show you around," he grinned, leading them through the city where there were no gates, just a casual come and go as you please. After a minute of wandering, they stumbled upon something beyond the ancient stone houses. Initially human-looking, it morphed into an indistinct creature that challenged focus. As it approached, Kai questioned, "Is that a person or an animal?"
"It's both, actually. Guys, meet Elmz."
Elmz stopped, smiled, and then winked at Venna. "How you doing, mi lady?" Before Venna could reply, Elmz transformed into a girl with light blue hair and matching blue eyes, her complexion lighter than the others. This seemed to be her true form, leaving Venna feeling oddly self-conscious. Turning to Kai, she gave him a flirty look. "Hey, handsome."
"Whoa, what just-" Kai began, interrupted by Benkrat's laughter.
"I love it when you do that, their faces, oh my," Benkrat chuckled, leaving the twins in shock.
"I told you he's usually more cheerful than me, just gets cranky whenever he leaves the realm. Anyways, Elmz is-" Ikzar paused, seeking the right term for someone embodying both genders.
"Bisexual," Benkrat supplied. The twins shook their heads, uncertain.
"I'm not sure it's the same thing. It's kinda different," they explained.
"So, what do you call it then?"
Venna, still processing Benkrat's unexpected laughter and conversation, finally spoke, "I think it would be more of a hermaphrodite."
Elmz made a choking sound. "Eww, I can turn into both sexes whenever I want, but it doesn't mean I have both their sexual organs."
"So what's down there?" Kai blurted out, then quickly looked away.
YOU ARE READING
THE MARK OF ELDOREM: Rise Of Eldorians(Book One)
FantasíaVenna and Kai seem to be ordinary high school students at Emerald High, blissfully unaware of their true origins. However, an unexpected incident at school shatters their reality, revealing their sibling bond and hinting at a destiny far beyond thei...
