Elayne's ordinary life takes a drastic turn when she discovers she is part of an ancient prophecy tied to the mythical kingdom of Elyssanar. Guided by Solaris, a unique companion with secrets of his own, Elayne embarks on a journey fraught with chal...
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I didn't understand. Gaia and Hatten, there was just something...missing.
How was I supposed to figure out where Elyssanar was? Or Aurelia's gravesite? Or the Phoenix? Or bring a fallen kingdom back to life? There were so many questions, but nobody seemed to know the answers. And the answers given to me weren't making any sense. How did I come from Aurelia? Why did Gaia choose me? Why could I hear animals talk? What did any of this mean?
I was just a normal person until now, working at a zoo, living a regular life. Suddenly, I'm thrust into this ancient prophecy, hearing cats and leopards speak, having dreams about goddesses, and being told I have some grand destiny. The more I tried to piece it together, the more confused I became.
Was Elyssanar even a real place? If so, why had no one in the modern world heard of it? How was I supposed to find Aurelia's gravesite without any clues? And this Phoenix-was it real, or just a metaphor? It felt like I was missing something crucial, a key to understanding everything, but no one seemed to have it. My parents never mentioned anything about an ancient lineage or hidden powers. Why was I the one chosen for this? How could I possibly live up to these expectations?
The weight of it all was overwhelming, and I didn't know where to start.
My brain was rattling with questions, with the need to know.
As I walked away from Hatten's office, I found myself wandering back to Solaris.
As much as I didn't want to admit it, he was my comfort. Maybe I should look into getting a pet at home. My thoughts went back to the cat that had accompanied me last night and took off early.
Slumping my shoulders, I wandered into Solaris' habitat, shutting the wired fence behind me.
He was still perched atop the same tree I had left him at.
"My Elayne. You look like a weight dropped on your shoulders." His voice resonated within my bones and I found myself wishing I could publicly just lay with him.
But I was his handler and most people find others crazy cuddling with a big predator like a leopard.
Whatever.
I sat down underneath the tree he perched atop, the sun high in the sky above us.
"It doesn't help when people are telling me things like I'm supposed to know them right off the top of my head."
I heard the tree rustle as Solaris jumped down from his resting spot and sat next to me.
"I think I could be of some help."
I looked down at him in confusion.
"You're a cat. A big cat. How are you supposed to help me?"
His big head rested on my leg and I felt him purr as I scratched behind his ears.
