The ship broke through the storm clouds of Vaelora, a sprawling metropolis that shimmered like a jewel wrapped in shadows. Towers of glass and living metal spiraled into the night sky, their surfaces shifting with holographic illusions. Rivers of light flowed between them, carrying levitating transports, while far below, the streets swarmed with thousands of species—humans, synthetics, and things Lyra had no names for.
"It's beautiful," whispered Ensign Mora, one of the younger crew members, pressing to the viewport.
"It's dangerous," Kaelen replied, his jaw set. "This city eats secrets for breakfast. And we've just arrived carrying the galaxy's most valuable one."
Lyra folded her arms, staring down at the labyrinth of lights. Somewhere in this city was the lead they needed—the name of the shadowed figure behind the attacks. Somewhere in this city, someone was expecting them.
As they docked at a platform woven of light and metal vines, a figure awaited them. Tall, slender, draped in shimmering robes that seemed to blur their outline, as though reality couldn't decide where they stood. Their face was hidden behind a mask shaped like a bird's skull.
"Captain Lyra Veylan," the figure said in a voice like silver bells. "Kaelen Ardyn. Welcome to Vaelora. I am Ceyra, your… guide."
"Guide?" Kaelen asked warily. "Or handler?"
Ceyra's head tilted. "That depends on whether you intend to survive."
Inside Vaelora
The city overwhelmed the senses—marketplaces suspended mid-air, whispers of coded deals in forgotten alleys, neon temples where prayers were bought and sold. Everywhere they went, eyes followed them—hidden cameras in the flowers, drones disguised as insects, informants lurking in the crowd.
As they entered a quiet, opulent chamber deep beneath the city, Ceyra finally turned to face them.
"You seek the one who unleashed the living code on your vessel," they said softly. "We call them The Architect."
"The Architect?" Lyra repeated.
"Yes. A ghost who builds futures by destroying them. And if you've survived their touch…" Ceyra leaned closer, masked face inches from Lyra's. "…it means they want you alive. For now."
Before Lyra could respond, the chamber lights died. A single crimson symbol appeared on the far wall—the same rune that had nearly destroyed their ship.
Kaelen drew his weapon instantly. "What the hell—"
The rune spoke.
"RUN."
And then the city erupted in chaos.