Dungeon of Torment

5. City of Cathedrals

When they were nearing Azuros, Hyperion bid her go to the next room to change. Nailah didn't complain that her outfit was chosen for her – nor did she glance in the mirror at the end result. Hyperion appraised her when she re-entered the cabin, pleased. He'd chosen the ensemble, with deliberate care. They matched. Both were wearing white, with gold stitching, suits of soft, floaty material. He'd thought she might prefer trousers to a dress. The intentional matching was for security, he didn't want anyone to forget that she was his woman – and under his protection.

Hyperion's hair had been carefully braided, interwoven with his antlered coronet. It never hurt to highlight a royal status either.

"Turn around," he directed – his tone gentle. Nailah complied – her expression disinterested. Hyperion secured the adjusted necklace around her throat. The diamonds caught the light and reflected across her sharp jaw. He stepped back, waiting for her complaints. She didn't make any.

Hyperion frowned. She was retreated within herself, hiding behind a defensive wall. How to make her come out? Hesitantly he reached out and caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. She flinched, but then froze – remaining immobile like a breathing doll.

"I've never been in love." He admitted, scrutinizing her face. Nailah offered no response. The noise of the engines changed as they began their descent. Taking her limp hand in his, he led her out of the cabin and onto the deck.

Nailah discreetly watched him as they stood at the rail. He was an alien. He was her enemy. But he'd saved her. Everyone she cared about was gone, she was all alone -again. But this time she had a warm hand holding hers. Tears pricked her eyes.

"Look," he urged, gesturing to the city emerging through the clouds below them. Azuros. Nailah leant over the rail, her lips parting in surprise. "Welcome to your new home."

Nailah's heart skipped a beat. The city was more than she'd ever imagined. Ships hovered in the sky, unlike any Nailah had seen before. As they passed by, Nailah stared at the beautiful gardens blooming on the ship's decks. "The Suburbs. As the city's grown, these residence-ships have become more popular. You get the Azuros postcode without the high rents. Or at least, as high rents." Hyperion explained.

The speed of their descent slowed as they neared the safety line. Nailah gaped at the domed towers, their emerald peaks nudging at the low clouds.

"It's like a city of cathedrals." Nailah mused, stunned by the number of grand buildings. Uranus' palace was the grandest of all, like a mythical sandcastle with its grainy yellow walls, it stood out on the mountain top – a waterfall cascading from its mouth.

The falls plummeted into the river Glassy that wriggled its way through the city – like a ribbon twisting around palaces and castles. Nailah leant even further over the rail, and Hyperion let go of her hand to hold her waist, worried she'd fall overboard. The rivers she'd seen had been muddy brown, or grey on a cloudy day – she'd never seen a river so unnaturally bright azure.

The breeze tugged at their hair and made their light jackets flap. Hyperion's fingers skimmed over Nailah's stomach and he gasped, feeling the warmth radiating through her skin.

"You're pregnant."

Nailah straightened immediately, twisting around and craning her neck to try and read his face.