Ayana found herself in front of the ancient altar, admiring the celestial marble sculpture. A string of strange runes adorned the circular pedestal.

She ran her hand along the engravings, tracing the intricate grooves and patterns. There was something about it that enthralled her, like a phantom whisper of a lost soul.

Iezabel had gone out hunting, soon after insisting that Ayana remain in her room until she returned. It was days since she last fed, and this enclosed cavern full of humans was not helping either. One of the suspicious rebel guards had tried to stop her from leaving the temple, but changed his mind when Iezabel threatened to bleed him instead.

Ayana gazed at the pearly face and dipped her chin in reverence. If you truly exist and can hear my prayer, please help me protect my child. She unclasped the gold insignia from her turquoise gown and tossed it into the sacrificial brazier. Sparks flew into the air as burning coals slowly devoured the metal with their incinerating breath.

“Magnificent, isn’t she?”

Ayana started. “Commander.” She inclined her head. “What a pleasant surprise!”

His obsidian eyes twinkled as his lips parted in a cordial smile. He had a certain wild aura about him, like a beast confined in too small a cage. He exuded such an air of authority, she wondered if anyone dared question him twice. Her guards inched closer, eying him warily, but she waved them away.

“The Immortal Kalypso, daughter of the sea,” Cornelius said, gesturing at the sculpture. “She is considered a guardian deity in Atlantis.” He paused. “But there are many myths and legends surrounding her, one more different than the other.”

Ayana raised her eyebrows. “You are an Atlantian?”

Cornelius shrugged. “I was.”

“What happened?”

“I made a mistake.” He studied the altar, his eyes acquiring a faraway look. “After I came to Aria, I joined a group of mercenaries.” He gave her a rueful smile. “Between raiding the Empire’s supplies and assassinating warlords, it wasn’t long before I ended up in the Resistance.”

A man searching for redemption in the wrong direction. What kind of blasphemous crime had he committed to be thrown out of his own country? He certainly seemed like a man who knew what consequences his actions might bring. How much did he really know about her?

“The giant statues outside the city. You know who they are?”

Cornelius’ obsidian eyes narrowed. “Why do you ask?”

Ayana shrugged, trying to keep an impassive expression. “Curiosity.”

“They were the high kings who once ruled the greatest empires on Elyzia.” Cornelius hesitated. “According to our historians, they are named Lord Acyrion of Abaddon, Lord Hyperion of Eos, and Lord Ilirion of Eitheon.”

Ayana’s eyes widened. Rulers of Eos and Abaddon. They were as prominent as Ilirion. “Yet they loom outside a fallen city in Aria?”

Cornelius chuckled. “No one knows why that is. Very little can be found on them in the ancient scripts,” he said. “They belong to an age before the shrouded era.”

Ayana sighed. “The world is full of mysteries, is it not?”

His eyes strayed to the goddess. “It is.” He returned his gaze to her. “I hope you had a pleasant night.”

Ayana nodded, still deep in thought. If he did not know who she was, then why had he brought her here? “Tell me something, Commander.” she said. “Why am I here?”

A puzzled look enveloped his face. “What do you mean?”

“Why is the Resistance helping me? We have a common enemy. But that is not reason enough to harbor a fugitive. The entire Imperial Guard is after me.”

Cornelius clasped his hands behind his back. “The order came from the headquarters,” he said, watching her carefully. “They said you were crucial for our victory. They refused to disclose anything else. They are the only ones who know why, and maybe you.”

Ayana shook her head, her gaze on the floor. “I have been hunted all my life.” If he did not know about Ilirion’s bloodline, it was better if she kept it that way. “All I want is for my child to be safe.”

Cornelius nodded, a small smile pulling at the corner of his lips. “We all have secrets, and we have our reasons to keep them.”

He fished a timepiece from his pocket and gave it a brief glance. “Ah, time flies like a frenzied falcon.” He inclined his head. “I’ll have to take my leave, Lady Ayana. I hope you enjoy your stay.”

Ayana returned the gesture, trying to keep the flush out of her cheeks. She could not be more terrible at lying. “I am grateful, Commander.”

Ayana watched as he turned on his heel, heavy footsteps echoing across the marble hall. The purple cape streaked behind him, before dissolving into the shadows of a dark doorway.

~•~•~•~•~•~

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