Venna's POV:

I turned my gaze back to the entrance, hoping to see Ikzar. He finally emerged, whistling softly. When he spotted me, he stopped, clearly debating whether to approach or walk away. I moved quickly to intercept him.

"Ikzar," I called out, stepping in front of him before he could walk past.

He didn’t respond, so I pressed on. "What you overheard at Kai's house—I didn’t mean it like that."

Ikzar's silence grew heavier, and his unreadable expression made the moment feel like it was dragging on. I was about to try again when a sudden vibration jolted through my head. A deep, commanding voice echoed:

Report to the meeting hall now! Urgently!

I looked around, confused, trying to pinpoint where the voice was coming from. My eyes met Ikzar's, but he remained unbothered. I opened my mouth to speak, but the voice came again, more insistent this time. I clutched my head, realizing with growing alarm that the voice wasn’t coming from outside—it was inside my mind. Who in the hell’s voice was that? What in the world was going on?

Ikzar seemed to sense my confusion. "That’s Telezia summoning us. You’ll get used to it once you start living here," he said.

Before I could respond, Ikzar turned and headed back into the hall.

I knew I should follow him, but I had more pressing matters on my mind—like figuring out how to leave Eldorem. I stood there, looking around, lost in thought. The chatter of the others approaching pulled me back to reality. Tolma!

I quickly pulled Tolma out from the group as they walked past me. Kai didn’t even stop to ask what was going on; he was too engrossed in a conversation with... Nina?! Seriously, of all people.

Ignoring them, I turned to Tolma, who looked puzzled. Realizing I was still holding onto her arm, I chuckled nervously and let go.

"Umm, hi," I said, suddenly aware that we had just met today and here I was asking for a favor already.

"Hi," she responded with an energetic wave, her reaction making me smile.

Maybe she’d agree to help me after all. "Tolma, umm, you see, I know we just met, but I was wondering... I mean, if you’re not busy..." I quickly added as she gestured toward the hall, reminding me of Telezia’s summons. "Or anything like that. I was thinking if I could ask a favor."

"What

—What? To help fly you out of here?"

My jaw dropped before I could mask my surprise. "I didn’t know mind reading was one of your abilities."

She laughed. "It’s not. I’m just used to people asking me to help them with my abilities anytime they mention a favor." She shrugged.

I laughed nervously, feeling a little ashamed of myself. "Hold on, does that mean there’s really no way for someone who doesn’t have any ability yet, like me, or whose ability doesn’t involve flying, teleportation, and stuff like that; I mean, can we really not leave this place?"

She looked at me, puzzled. "You know Eldorem has no city gate, right?" She pointed down the road.

"Yeah, but when I come out, all I see is an endless expanse of sand. It’s like we’re right in the middle of a desert."

"That’s because we are."

"What?"

"This is the Imperial Sand Dunes. Never heard of it?"

"Not really. I don’t travel a lot, and I’m never awake in geography class, so pffft," I said, waving off the name.

"Maybe you should start paying more attention in geography class. You’re gonna need it."

I stopped myself just in time before I could mimic her words in a disrespectful way. Instead, I forced a smile. "Yeah, thanks for the advice. I’ll start listening, although I know I can honestly do fine without taking the class. I mean, phone, internet. Oh, you’re probably not familiar with those words, seeing as you live here," I said, making a face as I gestured around. I quickly caught myself, remembering I still needed her help.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to mock you," I added, scratching the back of my neck nervously.

She laughed. "Why are you apologizing? I’m not offended—I mean, I would have been if I didn’t know everything you just said was crap and you were trying to get back at me for mentioning the geography thing. But hey, don’t worry about it. If you had taken the time to follow us on the tour we offered to give you and Kai, instead of standing here batting your eyelashes at Ikzar, you would have noticed that we actually do have internet and other means of keeping up with the outside world here. But it’s fun listening to stereotypes like you," she finished, tilting her head slightly as she smiled.

I masked the sneer threatening to break out on my face and instead forced an apologetic smile. "Sorry," I repeated.

She waved my apology off and gave me a more genuine smile. "Come on, let’s get out of here before Telezia realizes we’re still around and chooses to ignore her summon." She turned her back to me. "Hop on," she said.

I stood there, reluctant for a moment.

"I’m sorry, but that’s the only way I can carry you. You saw me carry Nina, didn’t you?" she pressed, bending slightly to make it more convenient for me to climb on.

I took a step closer, still hesitant. I never thought I’d be carried by another girl one day. I hadn’t even climbed on her back yet, and I was already feeling weird about it.

"Hey, you know this isn’t a comfortable position, right? You getting on or not?" she asked, impatience creeping into her voice.

With a sigh, I finally decided to go for it. "Alright, alright. I’m getting on," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up as I awkwardly climbed onto her back.

"Hold on tight," she said, adjusting her grip on my legs. "Let’s go."

With a powerful jump, we took off, and I wrapped my arms and legs around her tighter. The piggyback ride was awkward, and I missed the smooth flight on Choo-Choo’s back.

We left Eldorem’s stone houses behind, and the Imperial Sand Dunes stretched out before us like an endless sea. Time dragged on, and my legs ached from the constant jolting. I shifted my weight, trying to find a more comfortable spot, but it was no use.

The evening sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, a breathtaking sunset unfolding above us. As we flew, the colors gradually faded, giving way to a soft twilight.

By the time the moon began to rise, I knew I should ask Tolma to take me straight home so Kai’s family wouldn’t worry about me, but I stayed silent. I knew I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep if I didn’t satisfy my curiosity.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I saw Mesa in the distance. We were almost there.

I was relieved when we finally arrived, and I slid off Tolma’s back, grateful to stretch out my cramped muscles.

Flying with Tolma made me realize just how far Eldorem actually was from Mesa; it was almost a three-hour journey, though it didn’t seem that long flying on Choo-Choo.

"Is this where you want me to stop, or do you want me to accompany you?" Tolma asked, a worried look on her face as she glanced at the dark cul-de-sac I was about to enter.

"No, no worries. I’m good. And could you please not tell anyone you brought me here?" I begged her, my voice barely above a whisper.

She looked unsure but nodded. "My lips are sealed," she promised.

"Great, thanks. Oh, and if you get back and Kai’s still there, just tell him I’ll be home really late—that I went to a friend’s house."

Tolma eyed me suspiciously but didn’t ask any further questions. She gave me a small smile before taking off into the night sky.

I sighed as I watched her go. If only I had an ability as cool as that. No time to waste; I quickly regained my composure and turned to face the dark cul-de-sac.

What was I thinking, coming here at night? This place was already creepy enough during the day. One part of me urged to turn back while I still could, but another part was burning with curiosity. I mentally scolded myself for not asking Tolma to join me. If anything were to happen, she could have easily gotten us away quickly and probably knew how to fight better than I did. Stupid, stupid, stupid! I slapped myself on the forehead three times as I made my way toward Miss Lyra’s house.

I was barely on the front porch when the door silently opened. Every instinct screamed to run, but I mustered up the courage and continued walking. As soon as I stepped inside, the door shut behind me, and I jumped.

"You have guts walking into an old, lonely, dark house. I didn’t think the sound of a door would scare you," a voice said from the dark.

"Miss Lyra?" I asked, squinting in the darkness, trying to see any movement.

"Yes, dear. I didn’t know you still had any manners left, seeing as you broke into my house and brought your friends, leaving my door open."

I gasped. "So it was you. I knew it all along."

"Knew what, darling?" the voice asked, sounding genuinely confused.

"My friend sensed you the other day. I knew you were the only one who lived in this cul-de-sac, and then I heard a dog bark—no one else around here has a dog. The news mentioned you having one, so I came here to confirm. I figured if you were able to spy on us, you must have been discharged from the hospital."

I heard what sounded like clapping in the dark. Fear gripped me, but I tried not to show it as I continued speaking.

"When you’d go around telling people you’re a witch, you weren’t entirely lying. I mean, you were kind of exaggerating, but you were hinting at having powers. Given how witches are portrayed in movies and books, I figured you might have been trying to pass a message rather than just seeking attention. What if you spread that rumor so it could reach me and Kai? And what if you actually wanted us to come find you?"

"Wow, that’s a lot of 'ifs,' don’t you think?" the voice said, now closer.

I tensed but tried to maintain my composure. "Miss Lyra, I already know your secret. There’s no need to hide from me."

The voice laughed. "My secret? Was it really a secret, darling?"

"Well, seeing as the other Eldorians don’t know about you, I guess it might as well be," I said, trying my best to act nonchalant. "I have a few things I want to ask you about, Miss Lyra. So, if you would be kind enough to stop the hide-and-seek games and just come out."

"I don’t think so, child. I think it’s more fun this way. Besides, I don’t want to scare you."

"Scare me? Come on, I’ve seen you before, Miss Lyra. You aren’t that scary."

"Looks can be deceiving, child," the voice said, circling around me. I struggled to stay steady.

"Miss Lyra, I don’t think there’s anything you can do that’ll make me afraid of you, especially now that I know you’re an Eldorian."

"I wouldn’t be so sure, child."

"Try me," I said, standing tall and defiant.

I felt hot air on the nape of my neck. The hairs on my body stood on end, but I did my best not to flinch as the air slowly moved around my neck, up the side of my cheek, and then to my face.

"Boo."

I screamed.

I heard a clap and immediately the room was illuminated. The face I saw in front of me was not what I had anticipated.

"You—you look young?" I said, confused and relieved at the same time.

Miss Lyra laughed. "Was I ever old before, darling?"

"Compared to the Miss Lyra I knew, yes," I replied, scrutinizing her closely.

The woman before me looked nothing like the Miss Lyra I remembered. She still appeared older, but now more like a vibrant middle-aged woman. The extra wrinkles and saggy cheeks were gone, replaced by a youthful smile. She didn’t look like she could hurt a fly.

Her hair, no longer partially covered, fell to her back in a mixture of gray and black that made me want to reach out and touch it. She wore a scarf around her neck despite the warmth of the room. Out of everything I could have said, the first thing that came to mind was:

"You're Black?"

"Of course I am, darling. The Land of Tierlin is mostly populated by Black people. But seeing as you're also Black, is that a problem?"

"Umm, no. It's just confusing since you used to be white."

"Aha, I have my reasons for that. Come along, child. There are a few things we need to discuss before those pesky children arrive," she said, turning and ascending the stairs gracefully.

"Pesky children? What pesky children?" I asked, following her.

"No time for irrelevant questions now, is there? Unfortunately, I might not be able to tell you everything I need to right now. You might have to come back again some other time, is that okay?"

"Sure, why not," I replied, freezing as I reached the top of the stairs.

The space ahead looked like a completely normal house, with four doors and a corridor leading to a balcony.

Miss Lyra, realizing I was no longer moving, stopped and turned to face me. "Is everything okay, child?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"The rooms, and that door, it's gone. It's like the house keeps changing," I replied, looking at her, bewildered.

She laughed. "Come on, I'll explain everything," she said, moving to the second door on the right and pushing it open. She smiled at me before stepping inside.

As I entered the room, I held my breath. This room was different from all the others I had seen the other day. Carvings on the walls depicted ancient scenes, like a story from long ago. The room was bare except for a crystal-like ball in the center. One of the walls bore writing in a foreign language, while the other three held intricate carvings. I could make out a figure standing with swirling hands, casting a spell at an approaching horse with a rider on its back.

"What is this place?" I asked, spinning around to take in the carvings.

"This room holds the true history of Eldorem. No one knows what really happened in the realm that led to its near destruction and eventual obscurity. Not even those who claim to be descendants of Eldorem."

"Wow," I said, trying to process her words. "I know you're an Eldorian, but you're the first elderly Eldorian I've met. Are there others?"

"Sadly, no," she said, shaking her head. "All the adults and parents were killed in the war. It was a truly terrible event."

"Wait, if what you're saying is true, how are there still descendants of Eldorem if all the parents and adults died? Are you saying the stories they shared with me and Kai are lies, something made up?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief.

"I'm not sure what they revealed to you, but I'm certain it's not entirely correct. There may be some truth in it, but there's still too little information for you to fully understand," she replied, moving around the room and tracing her fingers along the carvings with a reminiscent look.

"How do you know the stories they shared with me aren't correct when I haven't even said what they told me?" I challenged.

"Because, like I said, it doesn't matter what they revealed to you. I am the only one who knows the entire truth. I'm the only surviving adult from the last great war," Miss Lyra said, pausing in front of the wall with the writing, still having a distant look on her face.

I stared at her, suspicion growing. "I'm starting to think you're not just an ordinary Eldorian," I said.

"That's right, darling, I'm not just an ordinary Eldorian."

"Then who are you?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.

"I am the conduit for the Eternals."

She straightened up and turned from the wall to face me as she added, "The only wife to the three priests of the land of Tierlin. I am Maldrith, the fourth of the quadruplets, the last and only surviving Rabnah of the great war."