The group soared through the sky on Zyteg's back, the wind slicing gently through the air as the sun bathed his white scales. Lyra, as always, was completely enthralled; her laughter vanished into the rushing air as she stretched her arms wide, letting the wind play with her hair. There was something about flying that made her feel free, as if the entire world were opening before her. Kio watched her with a calm smile, enjoying the sight of the girl's unrestrained joy.
In contrast, Zein clung tightly to one of the ridges along the dragon's back, eyes fixed ahead, face pale. Each sudden jolt drew a strangled grunt from him.
—Are you sure there's no way we could just… walk? —he asked, his voice trembling.
Kio chuckled. —Don't be so dramatic, Zein. If you fall, I promise I'll catch you before you hit the ground. —
—That doesn't make me feel any better —he muttered, squeezing his eyes shut.
Little by little, a shape began to emerge through the clouds: Ilmenor. It was a magnificent city, bathed in the golden light of midday. From above, its circular layout could be seen clearly, its orderly streets intertwining like glowing veins. At the center lay a vast plaza crowned by a statue of an angel stretching its wings toward the heavens. Facing the main gate, a grand church rose high, its white towers gleaming and stained glass windows flashing with sunlight. To the left, nestled against the mountain's slope, sprawled an academy made up of several connected buildings, walkways, and towers adorned with fluttering banners—it looked almost like a castle devoted to knowledge and magic. On the opposite side, dominating the horizon, stood Ilmenor's castle, solid yet graceful, its silver ramparts and spires seeming to touch the sky.
The landscape completed the picture: green fields stretching endlessly into the distance, crystal-like streams weaving through the land, and an air so pure that every breath felt fresh and new.
—Wow… —Zein whispered, unable to look away—. It's… perfect.
Lyra smiled brightly. —It feels like a dream—
After four days of flight, with several stops on solid ground, the group finally reached the outskirts of Ilmenor. Zyteg descended gently among the trees, the ground trembling slightly as his feet touched down.
—I hope another forty years don't pass before you visit me again, Kio —said the dragon with a kind smile as he folded his wings.
—Hahaha, don't worry. They've grown quite fond of you. As long as I'm with them, I'm sure we'll see each other again —Kio replied, tightening the strap of her backpack.
Zyteg nodded slowly, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. —Yes, but… for how long? They won't last more than a century, and we'll still be here when they're gone. —
Kio looked at him silently for a moment, then smiled softly. —Then we'll face it when the time comes, won't we? —
The dragon let out a deep chuckle. —I've always liked that way of yours—treating eternity as if it were just a stroll. —
After saying goodbye to Kio and Lyra, Zyteg approached Zein, who was staring at the city from the edge of the forest.
—Beautiful, isn't it? —the dragon asked in his deep voice.
—Yeah… —Zein replied, barely blinking, captivated by the sight.
Zyteg moved one of his wings gently, nudging the boy. —Here, I have a gift for you. Hold out your hands. —
Zein obeyed, curious.
The dragon murmured something in an ancient tongue, and a small light began to form in the air between them. It glowed brighter and brighter until it condensed into a tiny metallic object that fell softly into Zein's palms. It was a button—but not an ordinary one. It shimmered with a warm, living glow, as if a spark of fire and magic slept within it. Zein stared at it in awe, still processing what had just happened, while Zyteg watched him with a proud smile.
—Press it whenever you want to talk to me —Zyteg said with a grin—. I'll come to you anytime, as fast as I can. —
—But… won't it take you four days to get here like before? —Zein asked, puzzled.
—Pff, of course not —Zyteg replied with a hint of pride—. It'll take me, at most, an hour to get here from the cave. —
—An hour?! Isn't that… way too fast?! —Zein exclaimed, incredulous.
—We only took that long because we had to stop every few hours so you wouldn't throw up mid-flight —the dragon said, leaning closer with a teasing grin.
—Well… —Zein muttered, looking away awkwardly.
—Besides —Zyteg added—, if you never call me, I'll just get lonely. Honestly, I had one of the best winters I've ever had, thanks to you all. —
—I'm glad to hear that —Zein said, smiling genuinely.
Then Zyteg spread his wings, preparing to take off.
—Aren't you going to say goodbye to Kio and Lyra? —Zein asked.
—I already did, don't worry —Zyteg replied before lifting his massive body from the ground—. Zein, before I go, listen to me. Be kind. Never take advantage of anyone, and always protect those who are weaker. I know you'll become someone strong one day. —
—Thanks… but I don't even know what's going to happen to me —Zein admitted, lowering his gaze.
—Then find out —Zyteg said with a smile before soaring into the sky—. See you soon, Zein. —
Zein watched him disappear into the clouds, raising a hand in farewell.
When he returned to the others, Kio called the siblings over. She placed her hand above their heads, and a magic circle began to form, glowing softly in a yellowish hue before fading away. In an instant, both Lyra's and Zein's hair turned pitch black.
—This will keep us out of trouble inside the city —Kio said with a warm smile, ruffling their hair affectionately.
Once ready, they set off toward Ilmenor.
At the gates, they were met with an endless line. Zein and Lyra exchanged a look of weary frustration before turning to Kio with pleading eyes, but she ignored them completely and kept walking with an unbothered calm.
The group waited for what felt like forever. The sky began to shift into deep amber, and the dying sun painted the city walls in hues of fire. By the time it was their turn, the air had grown colder, and the once-bustling crowd had quieted to a low murmur.
As soon as Kio stood before the guard, her entire expression changed. The warmth vanished from her face; her green eyes turned to steel, and her stance—tall and unwavering—radiated an authority Zein had never seen from her before.
She looks like a completely different person… Zein thought, feeling a chill crawl up his spine.
The guard gave her a quick look, and when his gaze caught the faint trace of her feline ears, his face twisted into disgust.
—Sorry, but we don't allow heretics in here. This is a sacred city. —
Kio remained silent for a few seconds, staring at him without blinking. Her stillness was so unsettling that the guard swallowed hard. Finally, she spoke, her voice low but sharp, like a dagger wrapped in velvet.
—Your "religion"… isn't it supposed to teach not to discriminate against those of my kind? —
—"Those of your kind"? —the guard retorted with disdain—. Your kind is an abomination that the gods should never have created. You started the war a thousand years ago, and because of you, thousands of innocents died. You are—
He didn't finish. In a single, fluid motion, Kio grabbed him by the chest; her fingers dug into the armor with such force that the metal bent as if it were clay. Her eyes shone with an unnatural calm—the kind that precedes violence.
—Disparage me again… or anyone of mine, and I will tear out your tongue —she whispered, a barely perceptible smile curling her lips, a smile that never reached her eyes.
Immediately, the other guards drew their weapons, aiming at her. Kio didn't flinch. With her free hand, she pulled a silver medallion from her pocket, ancient and engraved with symbols that seemed to move under the twilight light. She held it before the guard's face.
—Do you know what this is? —she asked, her voice so serene it was terrifying.
The man paled at the sight, as did the other soldiers, who immediately lowered their weapons. The lead guard stumbled back, freeing himself from her grip, and hastened to open the doors.
—P–please… forgive our insolence… milady…
Kio regarded him for a moment longer without a word, then slowly tucked the medallion away. She turned to Zein and Lyra, and the moment her eyes met theirs, her expression shifted as if nothing had happened: a sweet smile and a playful sparkle returned to her face.
—Phew, good thing I didn't sell that medallion when I thought about it long ago, hahaha —Kio said, laughing as she casually rested her arm behind her head.
Now she seems like a completely different person, Zein thought, watching her with a mixture of bewilderment and fascination. I don't think I'll ever understand her.
As they crossed the threshold, the twilight faded gradually, giving way to a warm, fragrant night. The city, seen from within, was very different from what Zein had imagined. The streets were paved with light, polished stone, forming paths that reflected the orange glow of the lanterns. Lamps, suspended from wrought iron posts, burned with magical fire that danced slowly within the glass, coloring the air in golden and bluish tones.
On either side, the houses were tall, with wooden balconies and dark blue tiled roofs, adorned with banners fluttering in the wind. The shop signs hung above the entrances, written in elegant calligraphy and magically illuminated. In the distance, the murmur of the last merchants closing their stalls blended with the gentle sound of a nearby fountain. In the center of the main street, a massive tree, covered in lights and white ribbons, stood like the living heart of the city.
The air carried a sweet scent, a mixture of freshly cooked food and night-blooming flowers.
Kio, paying little attention to the scenery, took both siblings by the hand and pulled them through the thinning crowd.
—Quick, we need to buy new clothes before the shops close —she said, hurrying them along.
After walking through several streets, they found a stall where they were sold clothes much lighter and more comfortable than the heavy winter coats they had been wearing. The sensation of the night air on their skin felt refreshing.
—We're going to look for some old friends —commented Kio as they rested for a moment on the plaza benches. She had a calm expression, but a certain restrained excitement shone in her eyes—. They're going to help us with a lot of things. —
—Where? —asked Zein.
—Right over there —she replied, pointing to the end of the avenue.
The church rose in the heart of the city, directly aligned with the main gate, as if the entire architecture revolved around it. Its white marble façade gleamed under the moonlight, and on both sides, the imposing silhouettes of the castle and the academy formed a perfect triangle.
When night had fully fallen, they arrived in front of the enormous temple doors. They were closed. Kio furrowed her brow, thoughtful, then smiled mischievously.
—Well… I guess they won't mind an unexpected visit.
Before Zein or Lyra could stop her, Kio pushed the doors open and entered without hesitation. The interior was dim, barely illuminated by the light filtering through the stained glass. The echo of their footsteps resonated off the stone walls.
—Meliora! —Kio began shouting, her voice bouncing off the vaulted ceiling—. Meliora! Are you still here? —
—Kio… we're going to get caught… —Lyra whispered, nervously tugging at her clothes—. Keep your voice down, please…—
But Kio didn't listen. Her voice continued to fill the main nave until, finally, a female figure emerged from the darkness, holding a candle in her hand.
It was a woman with a voluptuous figure, a presence that commanded attention even before she spoke. Her long reddish hair fell in a loose braid over her right shoulder, and her deep green eyes shone with an almost hypnotic glow under the candle's faint light. She wore an outfit similar to a nun's, but very different from the usual: the traditional habit had been modified with elegant cuts and fitted fabrics, revealing more skin than Kio remembered, and a large golden cross at the center of her chest captured the light as if it were burning.
—Who's there…? —the woman asked, her voice firm, until her eyes met Kio's. For a moment, the candle flickered—. K… Kio? Is that really you?
—I never thought I'd see you in an outfit so different from what you wore when you were younger —Kio said, smiling sincerely, her tail swishing curiously from side to side.
—I had resigned myself to never seeing you again —Meliora replied, placing the candle on a stone candelabrum and slowly approaching—. I'm glad to see you again. —
—Me too —Kio said, extending her arms to hug her.
But the hug wasn't what she expected. In an unexpected move, Meliora grabbed her firmly, immobilizing her with surprising ease. Kio's eyes widened in confusion as the other ran a hand over her head between her ears, stroking her with a teasing air.
—Ehh… wait —Kio murmured, her tail bristling with discomfort as her ears twitched nervously—. W-what are you doing? —
Meliora didn't respond. Instead, she turned her head and raised her voice:
—Come! I've got her! —
Immediately, several nuns emerged from a side room, carrying ceremonial clothes and accessories. In a matter of seconds, they formed a circle around Kio, completely hiding her. Muffled laughter, quick footsteps, and the rustle of fabrics filled the air.
Zein and Lyra stepped back immediately. Zein placed an arm in front of his sister, ready for anything.
—Don't worry, we won't hurt her —said one of the nuns in a sweet tone that inspired little confidence.
"Won't hurt her? Sure… and meanwhile Kio's trapped in there with those crazy women," Zein thought, clenching his fists, unsure whether to intervene.
Amid complaints, struggling, and the sound of ribbons being adjusted, the commotion finally subsided. The nuns stepped aside, revealing Kio.
The dress was a layered ensemble that seemed to compete with itself for attention. The colors intertwined in a mix of black, white, gold, and small touches of red. The inner garment, tight and deep black with white decorations, accentuated every movement of Kio, while the outer layer was white, loose, adorned with golden filigree and small red borders that seemed to shimmer in the candlelight.
—Hahahahaha! —Zein couldn't hold back, bending slightly forward—. You look ridiculous!
Even Lyra, trying to hide it, ended up covering her mouth to avoid laughing louder. This only made the situation worse. Kio blushed instantly, her ears stiff and her tail twitching nervously, betraying her irritation.
—Meliora… —she said, forcing a smile that barely contained her anger—. What is this supposed to mean?
Meliora swallowed, feeling the pressure in the room.
—W-well, Your Holiness… —she began, her voice trembling slightly—. We thought that, if you ever returned, we should prepare something that reflected your… grace.
—And this was your brilliant idea? —Kio retorted, lifting the tunic slightly to look at the excess fabric—. I look ridiculous!
Meliora looked at her for a few seconds and, in an almost amused tone, replied:
—Personally, I think it looks quite good. —
Kio snorted, gave her a light tap on the head with her tail, and in a movement so fast that neither Zein nor Lyra could follow, she shed the ceremonial clothes to return to her usual outfit. In the blink of an eye, she was back to how she had been, as if nothing had happened.
—We'll talk about that tomorrow —she said, crossing her arms with a faint smile—. But for today, could you give me and these kids a place to stay? —
Meliora lowered her gaze to Zein and Lyra, examining them with a hint of distrust that vanished as soon as it appeared.
—Of course. You can stay in the guest room —she replied, guiding them through the silent hallways of the church.
The candlelight cast long shadows on the stone walls as they walked. The air smelled of incense and melted wax, and their steps echoed softly on the polished floor. Finally, they reached a small, warm, and tidy room where the moonlight filtered through a high window.
There, they spent the night, wrapped in silence and the feeling that, at last, they could rest.