Astrals

Chapter 2- The Prince

Nova decided the best course of action would be to return to the Astrals' living quarters and pack what she would need. A quick flip through the journal King Alaric had given her made it obvious that she would be away for a while. It would have been much easier if she could pinpoint exactly where to find the mysterious man, but there was no rhyme or reason to his appearances. One day he was seen in Briarwood Hollow, a town in the Far East; the next day he was seen in the Eldergloom Woods, a forest in the South. Whoever this man was, she figured it would be best to start investigating where he was last seen— Quartzvein.

Quartzvein was the area dedicated to crystal farming. Luminae thrived because of the great emphasis placed on mining natural crystals found in this cavernous region. So much so, that the Kings of the ancient era decided to build the main palace with pure crystals mined from Quartzvein, a signal of the kingdom's pride in its advanced crystal-mining industry.

Nova would have to wait a few hours for her flimsy portal to recharge before she could begin her search. It would have been much easier to use the official portal of the Astrals located in the east wing of the Palace, but given the secretive nature of the task, the mini-portal that left no trace behind would have to do. She thanked herself for purchasing it on impulse a few months ago because she knew the King would insist she set on a voyage instead. As arduous as voyaging would be, it was the safest bet when concealing her destination from other Astrals and scholars who could easily access the official portal's usage history.

As Nova exited the palace and made her way through the royal gardens, her mind raced. She was thrilled to have been chosen- it meant the King had noticed her dedication and spirit. Astral Walkers were responsible for protecting Luminae, they traveled through space and time and visited many other realms to ensure the kingdom's safety. Anything that showed even the slightest threat to Luminae was eliminated by an Astral on the spot. Countless beings had been erased this way over the centuries, ensuring no external threat breached Luminae's defenses. The fact that this mysterious man had successfully concealed himself from detection spoke volumes of his power. Lost in thought about his capabilities, Nova was abruptly jolted back to reality by a jarring voice.

"Watch where you're going!" Nova's head snapped up just in time to avoid a collision that would have launched her into oblivion. She ducked swiftly as the heavy machinery zoomed overhead.

"Watch where you're flying that thing is more like it!" she shouted, her fist raised defiantly, aimed at the back of the head of someone with unnaturally white hair. It could be only one person.

She lowered her fist and narrowed her eyes as the machinery performed an extravagant U-turn and came to a stop right in front of her.

"Hey, Nova."

"Hello, Prince." Nova clutched the journal she was carrying close to her chest as she eyed the automotive. It seemed to be the brand-new model made for efficient travel through Luminae for non-Astrals. It sure would have been great to be born into royalty and have everything handed to you.

"You don't have to address me so formally. We're friends, aren't we?"

"In your dreams, Prince. Best believe we wouldn't even be having this conversation if you weren't oh so important."

The prince seemed taken aback by her comment. "Ouch!" He held his hands to his chest as if someone had shot him with an arrow, his face in a grimace. "I have been pierced through the heart by the sharpness of your words."

"What are you going to do, execute me?"

"No, but I might make you eat boiled squash for dinner."

"Let me see you try."