On my way to hell

chapter 14

The kingdom was breathtaking in the daylight, revealing a beauty I never knew existed, where even the shadows danced in the warm glow of the three suns.

As we strolled through the grand halls of the castle, taking in the towering columns and glimmering chandeliers, Mireal broke the silence with a playful tone. "So," she said, glancing around, "where's the best market here? I need a few new things."

Without missing a beat, Aerdirs grinned and replied, "The Nexus of Olympus. Nothing else compares."

The name alone sparked my curiosity, conjuring images of bustling stalls and exotic goods. "What kinds of things will we see there?" I asked, unable to hide the excitement in my voice. Just then, I felt a warm touch on the back of my hand. I glanced down and realised Christopher's thumb was gently tracing tiny star shapes across my skin, each movement slow and deliberate.

I looked up to meet his gaze, and he held my eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Once you see it," he said softly, his voice a low, soothing promise, "you'll understand." There was a sparkle in his eyes, a hint of mystery that only made me more eager to experience it for myself. His touch lingered, grounding me in that moment, and I felt a warmth that was both comforting and exhilarating.

As we ventured further into the forest, the magic of the place seemed to intensify, each step pulling us deeper into its enchanting grip. The cool air brushed against our skin, carrying hints of earth and the faint, sweet aroma of blooming flowers. Around us, towering trees with bark in hues of emerald, maroon, and deep blue formed natural arches overhead, their leaves casting dappled patterns of light on the forest floor.

"This place... it feels alive," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, as though speaking too loudly might disturb the forest's peace.

Mireal nodded, her gaze sweeping over the strange flora around us. "It's like something out of an old tale, isn't it? I swear I've seen trees like these in illustrations of our myths."

Aerdirs walked a few paces ahead, his eyes scanning the dense, colourful canopy. "Legend says this forest was planted by the Ancients, that each tree holds a fragment of their magic," he said, his voice reverent. "Only those with an open heart can see the forest for what it truly is."

Christopher squeezed my hand gently, and I glanced up to find him watching me with a faint smile. "Does it speak to you?" he asked, his voice soft, like the breeze rustling through the leaves.

I hesitated, taking in the glimmer of bioluminescent moss that clung to the base of the trees, casting a faint glow around us. "It does," I finally admitted, a little surprised at the realization. "It's like... like it's waiting, watching."

Kaida brushed her hand against a vine heavy with blossoms, the petals glowing faintly. "I don't know if it's watching, but it's definitely powerful," she said, her fingers lingering over a shimmering petal. "I can almost feel it breathing."

Calen chuckled, breaking the spell of the moment just a bit. "I just hope it's friendly. If these trees come to life and start chasing us, I'm blaming you, Aerdirs."

Aerdirs rolled his eyes, shooting him a playful smirk. "Relax, Calen. They only come to life if you insult them," he teased, "so try to be on your best behaviour."

I couldn't help but laugh, my initial nervousness dissolving into a sense of wonder as we walked on, the gentle hum of the forest's melody surrounding us. Christopher leaned in close, his thumb tracing a comforting pattern over the back of my hand. "Welcome to the heart of the forest," he whispered, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Just wait. This is only the beginning."