As they crossed between the two towering trees marking the entrance to Reilhim, something shifted. Kael felt a sudden lightness sweep through her entire body—a rush of magic or purity, as though the forest itself had stripped away layers of grime and fear. Her breath caught in her throat as she opened her eyes.
The sight before her was unlike anything she had imagined.
Where the forest behind them was thick, dense, and shadowed, Reilhim was vibrant, radiant. The sky opened above them in brilliant blue, untouched by clouds. Sunlight spilled like gold across the canopy, and the air itself felt cleaner, fresher—charged with magic, yet soothing. Towering trees cradled intricate wooden structures within their trunks and branches—homes, shops, walkways, all spiraling around the great roots and limbs as if the forest and the city were one.
The roads were stone-laid paths winding through nature, bordered by delicate lanterns that caught the sun and shimmered. Buildings curved upward into the trees with elegant, elven architecture—arched windows, carved balconies, rooftops covered in moss and soft green tiles.
Far in the distance stood a single, massive tree, even more colossal than the two guardians of the gate. At its base lay the elven palace. It was too far for Kael to see clearly, but she could feel it—that was where Elias was. That was where her brother waited.
Two elven guards guided them silently along a narrow road shaded by the high branches. The route was discreet, designed to bypass the bustle of the city. Kael couldn't focus on the landscape anymore. Her mind raced. "Will he remember me? Will he be angry? Has he also tought that I was dead?" Her chest tightened with each thought.
Riven, walking beside her, noticed the tension in her shoulders. He nudged her gently with his elbow. "It's going to be okay, sweetheart. Breathe. It can't go wrong."
She gave a shallow nod, forcing herself to take a breath. It helped, but only a little.
After a short walk that felt endless, the road widened. Before them rose the palace.
From a distance, it looked impressive. But up close, it was awe-inspiring. High towers carved from white stone and pale crystal rose into the sky, gleaming under the sun. The entire structure shimmered with elegant details—silver inlays, arching windows, flowing spires. A grand fountain stood at its heart, water dancing in midair as if alive.
The butler awaited them at the grand entrance. Clad in silvery green, his posture precise, he bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Your Highness. Their Highnesses await you. Please follow me."
They entered through sweeping gates into a breathtaking hall. Pale marble floors glowed with sunlight spilling through stained-glass windows. Pillars of white stone rose to meet vaulted ceilings, and vines trailed across the arches like decorative lace. Elven attendants moved silently, graceful and composed.
After some time walking, they ascended a wide spiral staircase. Kael barely registered the opulence; her heart thundered too loudly in her ears.
At the top of the stairs, there was a hallway whit doors align to each sides, and at the end, stood a tall door of carved greenwood, etched with flowing runes. Two guards stood motionless on either side, spears in hand. The butler stopped, turned, and bowed.
He knocked once and said, "They are here, Your Majesty."
A smooth voice responded from within. "They may enter."
The guards stepped aside as the doors opened.
Kael's breath caught.
She took a single step forward, heart pounding like a war drum. Every emotion—hope, fear, longing, guilt—rose all at once in her chest.
And so, she entered. Into the hall. Toward the truth. Toward her brother.