Inanna woke with a gasp, her chest heaving as the remnants of her reoccurring nightmare lingered. She had dreamt of the ocean rising again, the water suffocating her and stealing the air from her lungs. Pushing her long, dark hair away from her face, she rubbed her doe-like eyes, her thick black brows furrowing in distress. A shaky breath escaped as she clutched the silk sheets tightly. She reminded herself, I am at home. She was safe, in her own bed at the Sumeri tower estate on the floating island of Kobol.

The light linen nightgown she wore clung softly to her frame, sleeveless and flowing, disheveled. She adjusted it hastily. The sun was just beginning to peek over the floating islands of Atlantis, casting golden light into the room. Sitting up, Inanna let the warmth of the morning calm her. It was just a dream, she told herself, exhaling deeply. Just a dream.

"Good morning, Inanna," the integrative estate companion A.I. greeted her in a calm, neutral tone. "Your heart rate is elevated. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," she answered, her voice clipped as she made a fist. She felt violated every time she was reminded of the A.I. in her quarters. She had wanted to shut down the system as soon as it was installed, but her father's security team had insisted it was necessary for the family of the Chancellor. The system monitored every aspect of life in the estate, leaving no room for privacy.

The A.I. continued: "Please connect your cerebral bridge so that I can analyze your sleep data."

"No," she snapped, her irritation flaring. "You do not have permission to download any of my health data. I won't repeat myself."

"As you wish, Inanna," the estate A.I. responded, monotonously.

She stared at the intricate designs on the tall ceiling of her room, the sunlight highlighting the ancient text that most could no longer read. As she glanced up, her mind was elsewhere—on Sirius Patar. She huffed, angrily turning in her silk sheets. She could strangle him. How dare he break it off with her?

"Inki, my parents want me to marry a kalasaar, so we can't see each other anymore," he had explained earlier this week. The words echoed in her head like a curse.

"They didn't seem to have any issue with that for the past six years!" she had said, angrily. It was no secret that she would never have the title of kalasaar as the eldest child of her family, because she did not have the coveted gift.

She knew Sirius' decision had little to do with her brother Manik's upcoming initiation as the Sumeri kalasaar and everything to do with his mother's resentment over her cousin losing the election to Inanna's father.

Six years of being together, two of them engaged, and a friendship that had begun when they were children—gone, just like that. His final words to her echoed in her mind: "My father wants me to consider speaking to the Banali kalasaar, Kisra," delivered with a cold, matter-of-fact tone. Inanna had stormed off that day, refusing to speak to him since.

Her mind conjured the image of their wedding day: Sirius and Kisra, standing in the Grand Citadel, their union officiated as kalasaar marriages often are. She cringed with fury, her chest tightening as the betrayal burned fresh.

She screamed into her pillow, the rage fading into silent tears.

Before she could retreat further into her thoughts, her younger brother burst into the room. "Inki! Get up!" Manik called out.

Inanna's nickname had been Inki for as long as she could remember. The first time she had heard her full name spoken aloud was during a formal state dinner with her father. To her surprise, he had introduced her to the gathering as Inanna Sumeri with all the weight and grandeur the name carried. She had stiffened in her seat, feeling momentarily estranged from herself. She much preferred Inki—simple, unassuming, and truly hers.

Inanna quickly wiped away her tears and turned to face her brother.

Manik stood tall, dressed in an off-white, knee-length tunic adorned with intricate gold embroidery. He paired it with sleek khaki silk pants, exuding an air of polished nobility.

"You look like a proper statesman," she said steadily, despite the redness lingering around her nose.

"When you put it that way, I'm not sure I want to wear this anymore," Manik said with a frown, glancing at his reflection in the nearby mirror, oblivious to the lingering redness in Inanna's eyes.

"Here we go again," Inanna muttered, pulling the silk sheets over her head. "I'm exhausted, Manik. Let me sleep."

Manik rolled his eyes. "Inki, we can't be late to the royal luncheon at the palace. It's for Father—today's a big deal."

Every day is a big deal, she thought. Inanna felt utterly drained from the relentless whirlwind of festivities. Their father's election as Chancellor of the Atlantean Parliament had sparked two weeks of nonstop celebrations, filled with royals, noble families, politicians, celebrities, and global elites. Now, with the inaugural ball as the grand culmination just days away, several events remained in between—including today's luncheon at the palace. The world's eyes were already watching, as the celebrations were streamed across the globe.

Sighing deeply, she muttered, "I guess I'll wear that draped gown Mother gave me for my birthday."

"Your outfit is already in the dressing room," Manik said, excited. "It's a Han'a Khoraz custom." Han'a was a childhood friend of the Sumeri children. He was also the Khoraz family kalasaar, and third in line to the Atlantean throne. Despite his royal status, he was humble and far more interested in traveling and designing coveted Atlantean fashion lines.

Manik raised both eyebrows and hands dramatically when he said "custom," making it clear that it was something special. As he moved, the glint of something red sparkled on his hand.

"Father gave you the kalasaar ring!" Inanna sat up straight.

"Oh, this?" Manik smirked, eagerly extending his hand to display the ruby.

"It's beautiful," Inanna forced a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Manik ran a hand through his shoulder-length dark hair and studied his sister's face more closely. "I don't get what the big deal is. You want it?"

Inanna's voice was filled with reverence as she responded, "Of course not! This ring represents our ancestry." She turned away, bitterly, as Sirius' face flashed in her mind again.

"I'm sorry about everything that's happened with Sirius," Manik said gently, his tone growing more serious.

"Don't be," she replied, quickly wiping away a tear. "Given what's happened, I doubt he ever actually loved me."

Manik hesitated before sitting at the edge of her bed. "Father's election as Chancellor is going to change everything, isn't it?"

Inanna tried to lift her brother's spirits. "His new position represents a big moment for our family. We couldn't be more Atlantean than this."

But deep down, she knew the truth. The Sumeri family would always be outsiders on the Atlantean floating islands, and no amount of Atlantean blood would change that.

The Sumeris were not originally from Atlantis. They came to these floating islands from the land of the two rivers called Sumer. Inanna's father always said his grandfather was a great leader—a prince, perhaps. He was betrayed and murdered. Her great-grandmother Azena had fled with their only child, Inanna's grandfather, and carried the ruby ring with her. Azena arrived on the continent clutching her baby and wielding the rare, revered gift of moving solid earth. The noble Atlanteans had accepted her because of that gift—and because of the ring, a mark of nobility in Sumer.

Soon after, Azena married an older, childless nobleman, Yafar Kobol, who adopted her son Marco Sumeri, allowing him to keep his foreign name despite the Nori Queen's disapproval. Like his mother, Marco possessed the earth-moving gift and married Kumani Humri the kalasaar of the noble Humri family. They had two sons: Marcus and Marcellius. Marcellius, like his father before him, surprised everyone when he entered into an arranged marriage with the extraordinarily powerful Canary family. His union with Cilantra Canary, the esteemed Canary kalasaar, brought two children into their lineage: Inanna and Manik.

Though Inanna and Manik inherited the foreign Sumeri looks—dark hair and skin—only Manik possessed the coveted gift. Inanna now worried that without it, she might one day find herself without a place in the Atlantean floating islands, like her uncle Marcus.

"When's the kalasaar initiation?" Inanna asked, glancing at the ring.

"The three days after the inaugural ball," Manik replied. "It'll be at Kobol Temple."

Inanna was surprised to hear it. Given their mother's esteemed role as the previous kalasaar of the Canary family and the current High Priestess of the Grand Citadel, she had assumed this generation of Sumeris would hold their kalasaar initiation at the Grand Citadel like the rest of the nobility.

Kobol Temple was a modest structure on Kobol island, built by their step-great-grandfather Yafar Kobol—a deeply religious man. It had always hosted Sumeri initiations. The Sumeris were original denied use of the Grand Citadel when they first arrived on the floating islands. Some believed Yafar built the temple for his foreign bride, Azena.

"This ring is incredibly ugly, just like this damn cerebral bridge," Manik continued, pointing to the device on his temple. "I don't like wearing this device, but Father insists we set a good example when we are at events."

Inanna sighed, her eyes lingering on the cerebral bridge beside her bed. Every time she wore it, it brought headaches—and sometimes strange, unsettling visions. She had confided in Manik about them before, but she had no energy for that conversation today. Hoping to change the subject, she turned to him with a pleading tone. "Can you summon Nezu?"

"Fine." Manik huffed, gesturing his cerebral bridge impatiently in front of him. "This ring is meant to be passed down to the eldest of each family. It should be yours," Manik added, his discomfort evident.

Inanna stared at her brother, and smiled warmly. "The ring belongs to the eldest Sumeri child who bears the gift, the family kalasaar. That's you. That's why Father received the ring and not Uncle Marcus."

"I always assumed Uncle Marcus was younger," Manik murmured.

Inanna let out a laugh. "He's nearly two years older."

"Oh," Marcus grunted, processing the information.

"You need to understand the importance of your new position. You have to secure our family's place in Atlantean society." Inanna pressed.

Manik frowned. "I don't want that. I want to carve marble and be with Han'a."

"Shh!" Inanna pressed her hand to her brother's mouth, glancing toward the door. "I love you, Manu, but you can't talk about Han'a so openly." Manik was in love—something Inanna doubted she would ever experience again.

"So you really think they'll marry me off to a girl?" Manik asked, frowning.

"In time," Inanna replied softly. "It's important for a family kalasaar to make heirs. So you both have to be careful." Breeding was crucial to carrying on noble lines in Atlantis; without good breeding, you were nothing.

"Heirs," Manik sighed.

Inanna didn't want to talk about marriage and heirs anymore. "I wish I didn't have to go to this luncheon at all. I'm behind on my studies at the temple," Inanna said, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. A final-year acolyte, she was just weeks away from her initiation as a priestess in the Grand Citadel. "In case you're interested, I've chosen my focus—ancient healing techniques in the Gab Nori."

Manik barely looked up, uninterested. "You can't be that eager to be a priestess. Can't you wait two weeks?"

"I don't set the schedule, Manik. Initiations follow the moon cycle." Feigning nonchalance—though the temple had become her sanctuary since her breakup with Sirius—Inanna added, "And anyway, Mother is there.  I want to be useful. Everyone knows people like me don't stay here for long." She paused, her gaze drifting toward the land beyond Kobol island's edge. "A foreigner without a gift..."

Manik stayed silent.

Inanna was all too aware of her place on these islands—or lack thereof. Among the Atlantean nobility, gifts defined worth, and without one, her value had always been scrutinized. Her father's indifference toward her after Manik's birth only reinforced the unspoken truth: to him, she had little to offer in a world that worshipped power.

"You think it's really true that no one on the continent has the gift?" Manik asked, peering out the tall windows with his sister.

"There was one," Inanna began, "born before the Nori war. I heard the Khoraz tried to bring that child here."

"How come I've never heard of him?" Manik asked, frowning.

"I started hearing rumors five years ago about the boy. I didn't believe it—neither did Sirius," she hesitated, realizing she'd said his name aloud. She cleared her throat as her eyes welled up again, "well, until Mother confirmed it was true."

Manik pursed his lips, contemplatively. "Why would Han'a never mention that?"

"I doubt he even knew. I think it was his aunt and uncle who brought the child here," Inanna replied.

"The ones who mysteriously died on the continent after their return from Mutapu?"

"Yes," then, after a pause, she added, "But they say that child was too broken. He killed many before jumping off the edge of Banali Island."

"Jumped?" Manik's voice cracked in disbelief. "Like Aunt Mistra?"

Inanna's eyebrows shot up at the mention of Aunt Mistra, her mother's younger sister. No one ever spoke of her. She had brought great shame to the Canary lineage by running away with a commoner who worked for the Canary estate. Inanna's grandparents had forbidden the children from even uttering her name.

"Anyway," Inanna murmured, her fingers running through her thick dark hair, "they say this boy jumped from the islands to his death."

"But you don't believe them, do you?" Manik pressed, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Oh, you've seen otherwise."

"I—I don't see things," Inanna said abruptly, walking into her grand dressing room. A wave of her hand activated the lights.

"You can lie to yourself, but not to me," Manik said, gravely. "When are you going to tell Father about your gift?"

"I don't have a gift," Inanna replied sharply, her hands tightening into fists. "What I have is a curse. And if you love me, you'll keep it to yourself."

"But you can see the future," Manik replied steadily. "The power of the Goddess runs through you."

"I don't think it's the future I see," Inanna murmured, glancing out the window. The memory of her recurring nightmare—the ocean rising, swallowing her whole—lingered like a shadow. "At least, I hope not."

Nezu, their old maid, knocked softly before entering the room with her usual quiet grace.

Manik fell silent.

Dressed in a simple blue cotton dress suited for early summer, Nezu carried a kind face, her dark hair neatly tied back, and a complexion deeper than Inanna's. Born in Kemp and brought to the islands as a child, she rarely spoke of her past. Having raised all the Sumeri children from birth, Nezu had been a constant presence in their lives—more so, in many ways, than their own parents.

"Good morning, children," Nezu said softly. Then, turning to Inanna, she asked, "Are you ready for the days preparations, Mistress Inki?"

"Nezu, please help me get ready for yet another wretched party," Inanna muttered, emphasizing "wretched." She hid a small smirk, grateful for Nezu's quiet presence. As long as Nezu was here, Manik wouldn't press the matter further.

Manik shot a sharp glare at his sister. "We're not done talking about this."

Then he paused, startled, as if his cerebral bridge had just notified him of something urgent. "Father wants me to join him on his chariot to the luncheon." He turned back to Inanna, his tone pointed as he added, "Be on time." With one last glare, he left the room.

"Mistress, perhaps a quick shower?" Nezu encouraged.

Inanna nodded and stepped into her shower and quickly returned to her dressing room afterwards, where Nezu had a chair waiting in front of a large dressing mirror. 

Nezu meticulously dried Inanna's hair before turning her attention to her face. With practiced precision, she applied the finest paints, finishing with soft strokes of smoky charcoal around Inanna's eyes to enhance their depth. She added a subtle pink hue to her cheeks, creating a natural, radiant glow. Nezu always favored Alemurian paints for Inanna, often saying, "They suit your skin tone far better than the Atlantean ones."

Turning her attention to Inanna's hair, Nezu said. "I saw a new hairstyle on an Alemurian news stream. It's simple, really, I'll need to pin this up—"

"Do whatever you want," Inanna interrupted.

Nezu nodded slowly.

Cilantra entered the dressing room, her movements as graceful as if the air itself carried her, her feet never touching the ground. "Good morning," she greeted.

Nezu bowed deeply, "Lady Cilantra."

Inanna notice there was a hint of agitation flickering behind her mother's composed demeanor—a subtle anger she was clearly trying to suppress.

Cilantra wore a flowing gown of gold and soft white, the delicate fabric trailing behind her like liquid light. Her auburn hair cascaded in soft waves down her back, catching the sun's glow, while her green eyes shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance.

"You look wonderful, Inki," Cilantra said. She floated closer, placing a soft kiss on Inanna's forehead. "What are you wearing?"

"Manik brought a gown. One of Han'a's," Inanna replied.

"Oh?" Cilantra's expression brightened, masking whatever frustration she held, as she turned to her son. "Let me see it."

Inanna gestured toward the closet, prompting Nezu to retrieve it.

Cilantra raised her hand. "No, let me," she said with authority.

She extended her hand toward the closet, and as if guided by an unseen force, the door slid open soundlessly. Inside hung a masterpiece of craftsmanship: a breathtaking red and gold gown, its intricate embroidery catching the light in a dazzling display. The shimmering threads wove delicate patterns across the fabric, creating an almost ethereal glow. The gown's long, flowing sleeves and cascading layers of luxurious fabric gave it an undeniable air of regal elegance, a design that seemed fit for an Atlantean noble.

"Ava Nori," Cilantra whispered in awe. With another graceful motion, she gestured for the dress to glide across the room. "This is exquisite. It blends the styles of Bayhan, Kemp, and Alemuria," she said, holding the dress's hem delicately as she examined its intricate designs. "Han'a is brilliant."

"Mistress Inki, I have just the right color for your lip paint," Nezu said promptly, retrieving a soft pink shade. "This won't overpower the gown."

As Nezu helped Inanna into her gown and Cilantra adjusted its fit, Inanna tried to suppress thoughts of Sirius and Kisra's engagement. A knot of unease tightened in her chest.

"Inki?" Cilantra asked, for a moment forgetting her own anger.

Inanna leaned into her mother's comforting presence. "Mother," she whimpered, her eyes brimming with tears. Nezu paused mid-motion, concerned that all her careful work might be ruined.

Cilantra immediately understood. "I'm not happy about what the Patars have done," she said, angrily. "Your father is infuriated. He's taken it as an insult to our family's name."

"I don't want you to do anything to Sirius' family," Inanna said, steadying herself.

Nezu, satisfied Inanna had calmed down, resumed her work, gently letting Inanna's freshly set curls cascade down her back while pinning half of them up.

"Besides, Kisra will be punishment enough for him," Inanna added with a faint smirk.

A small laugh escaped both mother and daughter, briefly breaking the tension.

Before Cilantra could speak any further, the door opened, and Drake stumbled in, struggling under the weight of several beautifully embroidered boxes. His legs wobbled as he panted, "Mother, gifts arrived from the palace."

Drake was a striking figure—a halfbreed boy with the face, torso, and arms of a human child, but with the horns and legs of a young bull. To Inanna, he was both a marvel and a mystery. Cilantra had taken him in as her own just over a year ago. No one knew his exact age, though they estimated he was about seven. Where he had come from remained a question Cilantra refused to answer, and eventually, everyone stopped asking. Oddly, Drake never spoke of it either.

"Why didn't you ask one of the staff to carry these in?" Cilantra asked, gesturing and moving them effortlessly to the floor near Inanna's chair with a wave of her hand.

Drake, still catching his breath, exclaimed, "They're from the royal family!"

"I heard you," Cilantra murmured.

Inanna could sense the flicker of anger her mother was suppressing at the mention of the royal family.

Drake glanced between them. "So, can we open them?"

"No," Cilantra replied, flatly. "We'll wait until your father returns. Both of you, be downstairs in ten minutes. Your chariot is waiting."

Drake shifted uncomfortably, his hooves scraping lightly against the floor. "Mother, I don't want to go. The other boys... they make fun of me."

Cilantra leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Drake's forehead. "I need you there, Drake," she said, leaving no room for argument. "Come, Nezu, I need your help with something," she added as she floated toward the door. Nezu followed closely behind, glancing back to admire her handiwork on Inanna's face and hair one last time.

Drake's large blue eyes turned to Inanna, filled with concern. "Inki, what am I supposed to do? I'm not like everyone else." He said looking down at his leg.

Inanna knelt slightly to meet his gaze, her voice steady and reassuring. "You are a Sumeri, Drake. You have every right to be among society." She glanced at the boxes. "Now, let's open these," she added mischievously.

Drake's hesitation melted into a grin. "Really? Let's do it!" he said, his excitement contagious.

Inanna examined the boxes, and took the largest from the stack. "This one's for us." Its intricate embroidery was breathtaking, and the names of the three Sumeri children were inscribed on the side.

Drake's eyes widened. "It is?" He said as he tried to sound out the words, he had not learned how to fully read yet.

"Go on, open it," Inanna said, laughing softly at his eagerness. "I won't stop you."

Drake tore open the box with such force that the delicate edges nearly gave way. His immense strength, despite his young age, still surprised Inanna. "Sorry," he said sheepishly, his blue eyes fluttering in playful apology.

"It's fine," she assured him, amused.

Inside the box rested an intricately carved emerald hanging from a delicate gold chain, accompanied by two diamond-studded gold bracelets that sparkled in the light.

"Is one of these bracelets for me?" Drake asked with anticipation.

"I think so," Inanna replied. "Take one."

Drake hesitated, glancing at the bracelets. "Before Manik chooses?" he asked, clearly influenced by their father's insistence on Manik's authority over all matters.

Inanna laughed. "Manik won't care. He has all the jewels he could ever want."

Encouraged, Drake slid one of the bracelets onto his wrist, admiring the way it sparkled. He stood tall, striking a pose. "Do I look like Father?"

Inanna's expression softened as she smiled. "You look like a powerful man."

Drake grinned proudly, then pointed at the emerald. "What about you? Are you going to wear it?"

Inanna stared at the emerald for a long moment, unease creeping through her. Finally, she shrugged and placed it on her head. As the cool metal touched her skin, her surroundings seemed to dissolve. She was no longer in the room with Drake.

She found herself in a dark, unfamiliar place, her senses overwhelmed. Strange, acrid smells filled her nose, and her body felt heavy, caked in layers of mud and grime. Pain radiated through her limbs in ways she couldn't explain. Distant sounds echoed—mechanical, alien noises blending with faint, mournful cries. Outside, harsh lights flickered in the darkness, their unsettling glow casting long, distorted shadows. One flashing sign blared the words "glass skin," while another displayed the image of a barely clothed woman, her movements provocative and jarring against the gloom.

Inanna's heart pounded as she struggled to make sense of the surreal scene. Where am I?

The vision twisted and blurred, and a wave of dizziness overtook her. Her knees buckled as she collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed by the disorienting sensation.

"Inki! Are you okay?" Drake's voice was frantic as he leaned over her.

Inanna blinked, her surroundings slowly coming back into focus. "Ava Nori... Are we late?" she murmured, trying to steady herself.

"You fainted. Should I call Nezu?" Drake asked, concerned.

"I'm fine," Inanna said quickly, sitting up and pressing a hand to her throbbing forehead.

"Are you sure?" Drake insisted, his voice unusually firm for his age.

"Yes," she replied, sharply, as she rose to her feet. Her gaze fell on the amulet lying on the floor where she had dropped it. A sense of unease lingered as she looked at it. "I think we'll make it on time, if we leave now."

Inanna reached over, her fingers delicately grasping the chain of the emerald as if to avoid touching the stone itself. She placed it back in the box with careful precision, shutting the lid firmly.

Straightening her posture, she turned to Drake. "Let's go."

Drake trailed after her as they left the chambers and hurried through the grand halls. Several maids bowed deeply as they passed, but Inanna paid them no mind, quickening her pace.

"Slow down!" Drake called, galloping slightly behind of her, his hooves clicking against the marble floor.

When they reached the entrance to the tower estate, a royal chariot awaited them in the grand foyer, Inanna noticed a driver she didn't recognize.

"I've been instructed to escort the Sumeri children to the palace," the driver said, his eyes scanning Drake with thinly veiled disdain.

"We are the Sumeri children," Inanna retorted, sharply, as she glared at him.

"Yes, of course, Lady Inanna," the driver said, bowing deeply.

She glanced at Drake, who was shamefully staring at his feet again. "This is Drake Sumeri," she added, firmly.

The driver sneered but corrected his tone. "Of course, Lady Inanna... Lord... Drake. Please, take a seat."

They climbed into the chariot, which was guided by an invisible force. As the driver cracked his reins, the vehicle shot through the air.

Drake's apprehension melted into awe, a wide grin spreading across his face as they soared above a bridge between Kobol and Banali islands. Below, dark lands shrouded in shadow stretched endlessly.

"What's that?" Drake asked, innocently.

"The Underworld," Inanna replied quietly, her gaze lingering on the ominous expanse.

Inanna had heard stories of the Underworld city. It was a city that lay beneath the shadows of the floating islands, a city bathed in neon lights and thick with smog and pollution. Streets crowded with people, echoed with the sounds of violence and sickness, while towering structures loomed overhead. Androids and traffic hummed amidst the decay, casting an eerie glow over the waste-filled streets. The city was trapped in perpetual darkness cast by the shadows of the floating islands.

Drake's excitement faded, replaced by apprehension. "It looks... dark."

"It is," she murmured, "from what I hear."

The chariot descended gracefully, landing before the Royal Palace—a majestic structure perched atop the highest hill of Banali Island. Its towering minarets reached skyward, while the central dome's spire disappeared into the clouds, an awe-inspiring symbol of Atlantean grandeur.

Drake gaped in awe. "It's so beautiful."

"Yes," Inanna replied flatly, her voice devoid of enthusiasm. She hated this place.

(Chapter 2 continues in the next part.)