Twist of Fate

Chapter 11: Seers see all

The city of Rann was the largest city in the country of Shaa in terms of population and size. Stretching over the distance about half the size of New York, it had a population of only fifty thousand, large for this world, and was one of the most advanced cities on the entire continent of Tíurest. Though it couldn't be compared to cities on Earth advanced with technology, it was bustling with an elite air of its own. The buildings were far taller than any other cities' we'd passed before. Those were modest compared to the towering ones above us like skyscrapers.

Bright lights flashed everywhere when we arrived in Rann just after sunset. Despite the time, it looked like day and people as young as five or so to people as old as fifty, though there didn't seem to be many of those or anyone older, were out and about having a good time.

It wasn't the kind place I'd imagined Zulén ever living. With his stoic and serious demeanor, you'd expect a more somber, but Rann was the opposite. It was large, active, and brimming with excitement. Voices were laughing and conversing in every direction, mixing with the low beat of strange music I couldn't locate the source of.

None of this really fit Zulén's image, but I couldn't deny the city was his home and he knew it well. He navigated through the stalls lining the streets and crowds without a thought, no hesitation in his movements at all as he lead me. Minutes after we first entered the city, we arrived at a building with three stories, smaller than the buildiings around it, but it was gorgeous in my eyes and I felt a natural pull towards it. It was almost as if I was compelled to want it as my own.

Zulén walked to the door and wordlessly went in. I followed, as soon as I crossed the threshold, warmth lowed through me. The room we entered was brightly lit and warm in a comforting homey way. The furniture, several couches and sofas around a coffee table, was a variety of forest colors that made me think the person who chose the decor liked nature. The curtains hanging in front of windows were deep shades of green, the carpet was a light shade of brown, and small flower pots were almost everywhere in the room. Whoever decorated was amazing.

Thinking of the decorator, who was it? The lights were already on, so someone had to live there, a man or a woman? Family or a friend? This was Zulen's house, right? Who was it that Zulén lived with?

"This way, Kouríeó," Zulén said and walked into a hall, then up some stairs to the second floor.

"Um," I muttered. "This is your house?"

Zulén was silent, but I thought I saw him shake his head slightly. "Not mine alone."

That was when he stopped in front of a white wooden door. I paused beside him, waiting for him to open the door. He took a deep breath and sighed, then pushed it open, blinding me for a second as light spilled out.

"Welcome."

I turned my gaze to the source of the voice to see who Zulén lived with. It was a handsome man around his mid-twenties sitting on the edge of a king-sized bed, legs crossed and book in his hand. He had long chocolate brown hair that flowed to his shoulders and bright green eyes tinged with orange. He smiled at me and I diverted my stare.

He and Zulén looked nothing alike.

Zulén sighed. "Why didn't you lock the door?"

The man shrugged. "I don't know. Why are you back home early?"

Zulén's eyebrow twitched. "Forget I ever asked. Look, I need a favor."

I looked up at Zulén in surprise. A favor? What did he mean? And for him to ask someone for something, anything, who was that man? My gaze slid back to man, he set his book down on the bed and crossed his arms.