Ariya had never seen a place like Elaris.
Rising high above the cursed lands, the city floated on a massive ring of glowing stones, each humming with ancient energy. Crystal towers pierced the clouds, and bridges of light stretched between buildings like webs spun by stars. Birds with glassy wings soared above the spires.
"This place… it's like a dream," Ariya whispered.
Kiran smiled slightly. "Or a fortress pretending to be one."
They landed on a sky platform, their transport — a hovering shard-runner — settling with a soft pulse. Around them, guards in white armor flanked the gates, bearing weapons made of both steel and magic.
A woman approached. Her eyes were like fire trapped in ice, and her robe shimmered with silver runes.
"Kiran. You brought the girl."
Ariya's back straightened. "I have a name."
The woman studied her. "And a temper. Good."
"This is Commander Vaela," Kiran said. "She leads the Guardians of Elaris."
Vaela tilted her head. "You carry shadow magic, don't you?"
Ariya nodded cautiously.
"That makes you both an asset… and a risk."
"I didn't ask to be either."
Vaela gave the faintest smirk. "You'll fit in just fine."
They walked through the halls of Elaris. Ariya saw mages practicing spells, warriors sparring, children running — laughing. For the first time in days, she saw something more powerful than fear.
Hope.
But not everything was bright. In a far chamber, Ariya caught a glimpse of something locked behind crystal glass — a massive creature, chained and snarling. Its body pulsed with Void corruption.
"What is that?" she asked.
Kiran's voice was low. "A test subject. One of the Fallen. They were once human."
Ariya turned away, sickened. "Why keep it alive?"
"To understand what you might become," Vaela said behind them.
Ariya's jaw tightened. "I'm not going to turn into that."
"No," Vaela said. "You're going to be stronger."
Later that night, Ariya stood on a balcony, overlooking the stars.
Kiran joined her. "You did well today."
"I feel like I'm part of something bigger now," she said softly. "It's scary."
"It should be."
She looked at him. "Will you stay? If things get worse?"
"I've already chosen my side," he said, eyes steady. "And I think you have too."
They stood in silence, side by side.
And far below the floating city, in the darkness of the earth, something ancient stirred.
It opened one massive eye.
And whispered her name.
"Ariya."