The Last Earthborn

Chapter 1: The Enclosed World of Celestine

First Moon of Celestara, Year 921 of Celestine's Rise

On the first morning of Celestara, Maia woke to the gentle hum of ley-crystal engines, their low vibration thrumming through the walls. They powered Celestine's floating platforms, an ever-present rhythm of life above the poisoned earth.

She stretched lazily, her gaze drawn to the vast expanse outside her window. The mist below shifted like an endless sea, its surface broken only by beams of soft sunlight. Hues of ilarim and vëralin painted the sky in a dreamlike palette, a beauty that always stirred something deep within her.

"Maia, lūni tarēa!" her mother's voice called from downstairs. Maia, we're eating!

"Vë iratā, Maia!" her father added. You're late, Maia!

Maia sighed, dragging herself out of bed. "Coming," she muttered, her feet brushing against the smooth, lelin-fiber rug. She pulled on a loose tunic, its fabric dyed a soft kīrel—a greenish-gold shade that caught the light as she moved.

Descending the spiraling crystal staircase, she was greeted by the smell of warm elvaberry tarts and brewed silvara tea. Her parents sat at the circular table, bowls of brightly colored frēlin fruit and dishes of golden rēlian rolls spread before them.

"Si tērin?" her father asked as she entered. Did you sleep?

"Ėn, da," Maia replied, taking her seat. Yes, I did.

"Then why so slow this morning?" her mother teased, sliding a tart onto Maia's plate. "Purity's Eve isn't a day to drag your feet."

Maia rolled her eyes. "Maybe if you both weren't constantly watching my every move, I'd feel more awake."

Her mother frowned, her tone growing firmer. "Ėra mai vīa," she said. That's not fair. "We're only looking out for you."

"More like keeping me locked up," Maia shot back, stabbing her fork into the tart. "You're always reminding me to stay away from the Council's sanctum, to avoid this or that place. I'm tired of it."

Her father leaned forward, his expression serious. "We've told you before, Maia. The sanctum is not safe. The records there are forbidden for a reason."

"Why?" Maia snapped. "What's so dangerous about knowing the truth?"

Her parents exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. Her mother finally spoke, her voice quieter but no less firm. "The truth isn't what you think. Some knowledge can hurt more than it helps."

"Or maybe you just don't trust me to handle it," Maia said, her frustration boiling over. "You treat me like a child, but I'm not. I can make my own decisions."

Her father sighed heavily, his eyes dark with concern. "Maia, we love you. But there are things you don't understand. The world below—"

"Stop!" Maia cut him off, standing abruptly. "I'm tired of hearing the same excuses over and over. If you won't tell me the truth, I'll find it myself."

Her parents fell silent, their faces a mixture of worry and regret. Maia didn't wait for them to respond. She turned and walked to the window, her heart pounding as she looked out over the misty abyss.

The poisoned earth lay hidden below, a forbidden world filled with secrets she was determined to uncover. Despite the fear her parents tried to instill in her, Maia felt a spark of defiance. She couldn't keep ignoring the pull of the unknown.

And she wouldn't.

Maia stormed up the stairs, her footsteps barely making a sound on the smooth crystal steps. In her room, she slammed the door shut and leaned against it, her breathing heavy. Her gaze wandered to the misty expanse beyond her window, but it did little to calm the storm inside her.