41. Asteria
Asteria
I woke with a start, my heart hammering against my ribs as my eyes flew open. Golden light poured through towering arched windows that stretched from floor to ceiling, bathing the room in a warm glow. For a moment, I couldn't breathe, couldn't think as I took in the opulent space around me.
Every surface gleamed with intricate gold trim and ornate carvings. The bed beneath me was massive, draped in silks that shimmered like pearls in the light, so soft against my skin that it felt like sleeping on a cloud.
I bolted upright, flinging the covers aside as I scrambled out of bed. My bare feet hit polished wooden floors. I raced to the nearest window, my breath catching in my throat as I pressed my palms against the cool glass.
Below me, billowing clouds breathed across the endless expanse, their white forms sighing and shifting.
"What?" I whispered, my breath fogging the glass.
I spun around, and spotted a massive door carved with intricate patterns. Without hesitation, I sprinted across the room and yanked it open, only to freeze at the sight of Lyralei and her team of Dreamweavers waiting in the hallway, their expressions a mixture of amusement and expectation.
"Welcome to Asteria," Lyralei said with a formal nod, extending a shimmering silk robe toward me. Her tone was professional, but her eyes seemed tight, almost weary.
I took the robe with trembling fingers, wrapping it around my nightgown-clad body. "Asteria? As in?—"
"Syrena's home," she confirmed. "The Domain of Dreams.”
The Dreamweavers beckoned me to follow them, and with little choice, I did.
We moved through winding corridors where mist from the surrounding clouds seemed to seep through the walls themselves.
The hallways were a soft, blushing pink, adorned with gilded appliques.
It was like walking through the inside of a seashell, beautiful and disorienting all at once.
Finally, we emerged into a vast space. One side was completely open to the air, with slender columns of polished ivory supporting a domed ceiling painted with constellations that seemed to move if you looked at them too long.
Massive crystal formations rose from the smooth marble floor, reflecting prismatic light across every surface.
Pools of water in varying sizes were scattered throughout the stone floor, some steaming gently, others crystal clear and still as glass.
The scent of jasmine and some other sweet herb hung in the air.
Across the room, other contestants milled about, looking just as confused as I felt, each accompanied by their own entourage of stylists. My eyes immediately found Thatcher, his tall frame easy to spot among the crowd. When our gazes locked, I saw my own questions mirrored in his expression.
What are we doing here?
I have no idea, I tried to convey with a slight shake of my head.
Are you okay?
Fine. You?
Before our silent conversation could continue, a figure materialized in the center of the room, seemingly stepping out of thin air. Elysia stood before us.
"Welcome, contestants," she said, her melodic voice carrying effortlessly through the vast space.
"You stand within the sacred Crystal Cascades of Asteria.” She gestured gracefully to the pools around us, each ripple seeming to follow the movement of her fingers.
"Today, your mortal vessels will be transformed by ancient rituals that have adorned gods and goddesses since the dawn of creation.
" Her smile was radiant enough to rival the crystals surrounding us.
"Tonight, you shall enter Lunadaire not as mere contestants, but as living works of art, worthy of walking among the divine. "
Her eyes fell on me, a small smile playing at her lips before she vanished as suddenly as she'd appeared. I glanced back at Thatcher, who was already being pulled away by his own team.
I guess I'll see you tonight, I sent through the bond.
Don't do anything I wouldn't do.
My own team was already guiding me down a different corridor.
The end opened to a large pool overlooking the clouds beyond.
The water within glowed a soft pink, as if it contained its own light source.
The bath was carved entirely from what appeared to be some dusty rose crystal, the sides rough and natural while the interior was polished to a glassy smoothness.
"The water comes from a spring deep within the crystal mountains. It's infused with rare minerals that give it luminescent properties. It clarifies both mind and body," Novalie explained, her slender fingers testing the water.
"It’s incredible," I said, eyeing tiny motes of light that swirled beneath the surface of the water, like dust caught in sunbeams.
"Everything in Asteria exists in the space between reality and dreams," Vesper said, helping me out of my robe. "It's what makes our domain unique."
"Your domain?" I asked, stepping carefully into the bath. The water was the perfect temperature, enveloping my body in silken warmth that seeped into my bones.
"We're all from Asteria," Lyralei said. "All Dreamweavers are born here, in the domain of Syrena."
As I sank deeper into the glowing water, Novalie began adding various oils and essences from crystal vials, each releasing a different scent and changing the color of the light beneath the surface.
"How did you survive the second trial?" Vesper asked, his fingers expertly working through my hair, applying some kind of fragrant paste to my scalp. "We were all certain you were done for."
I closed my eyes, allowing myself a moment of indulgence before answering. "I guess we weren’t exactly clear on the rules…" I trailed off, hoping my lie was believable.
"And then you pulled through," Lyralei finished for me, her voice soft. "Like you always do."
I cracked one eye open to look at her. The weariness I'd noticed earlier seemed more pronounced now. There were shadows beneath her eyes that hadn't been there before.
"Are you alright?" I asked her.
"Of course," she said quickly. "Just tired. Preparing for tonight's ball has been... demanding."
The next few hours passed in a blur of luxurious treatments.
After the bath, I was led to a lounge carved from the same pink stone, where my skin was exfoliated with a scrub that smelled of crushed herbs and salt.
Then came a massage with oils that shimmered with subtle iridescence, followed by a mask that Novalie claimed was made from rare clays found only in Asteria's highest peaks.
Throughout it all, the Dreamweavers chatted about Asteria, their voices growing more animated as they described their home.
"The Cascades are the most beautiful landmark in all the domains," Vesper insisted as he applied some kind of sparkling powder to my shoulders. "The reflections change every night to mirror the stars above."
"And the Dream Pools," Novalie added. "The minerals in the water can induce the most vivid, pleasant dreams, tailored to your deepest desires."
"What about Lunadaire?" I asked, remembering the invitation Xül had received just days before.
"Syrena's personal palace," Lyralei explained, her fingers working methodically through my hair, braiding sections with nimble precision. "Tonight, it will host the most elite gathering of the celestial season."
"Thrilling," I murmured, a knot of anxiety forming in my stomach.
"Tonight is merely celebration, no need to worry yourself, dear," Novalie assured me, though her eyes darted to Lyralei.
"Look," Vesper said suddenly, moving to the window. "The sky has started to clear."
I joined him at the window, and my breath caught as I followed his pointing finger.
In the distance, where the clouds had parted like a gauzy curtain, a magnificent structure seemed to float in midair.
Its spires and domes gleamed silver in the fading light, delicate bridges connecting various sections that hovered independently.
It looked as though someone had captured the essence of moonlight and sculpted it into a palace.
"Lunadaire," Novalie whispered reverently.
I stared at the distant palace, unable to look away. "It's beautiful," I admitted.
"Wait until you see it up close," Vesper said. "The interior chambers are breathtaking. And tonight, with the full moon and clear view of the stars—the palace will be at its most magnificent."
“—Speaking of," he continued, his eyes lighting up. "We've been told that each contestant is to wear a garment inspired by their individual gift."
He straightened, practically vibrating with pride. "I've been working on your gown for weeks. It's the proudest I've ever been of one of my designs."
Vesper unfastened a garment bag, pulling out what looked like liquid starlight draped over his arms. I gasped despite myself, smiling softly. For all my reluctance to these events, I had to admit, the attire was certainly starting to grow on me, even if just from the wild artistry alone.
The gown was sheer fabric that disappeared against my skin, covered in intricate silver embellishments arranged in flowing patterns that highlighted every curve of my body.
The crystals were concentrated along the bodice and cascaded down the length of the dress like rivers of stars, reflecting the light with every slight movement.
The neckline was structured and off-the-shoulder, emphasizing my collarbones. Delicate beaded sleeves draped off my shoulders, adding movement when I shifted.
"It's..." I struggled to find words.
"As stunning as you are," Vesper said, adjusting the crystal-covered straps. "Like the night sky itself is woven into your skin."
I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror they'd positioned before me.
Indigo eyes beaming between dark lashes, eyelids painted with silver shimmer.
Half of my hair fell in waves down my back, the other half braided into designs on top of my head, woven with pearlescent crystals.
The woman looking back was regal, dangerous, powerful—barely recognizable.
A soft knock at the door interrupted the moment. Another Dreamweaver in formal attire entered with a silver tray bearing a flute filled with sparkling liquid with tiny beads of light dancing throughout.
"A celebratory beverage before the ball," he announced with a deep bow.
My Dreamweavers began gathering their supplies, preparing to leave. I accepted the drink with a nod of thanks, the crystal cool against my fingers.
"Enjoy your night, darling," Vesper said, kissing both my cheeks before heading toward the door. Novalie followed with an excited wave. Outside, the sky had deepened to a velvety black scattered with more stars than I'd ever seen in my life.
Lyralei lingered behind, watching me with an odd intensity as the others filed out. I raised the glass to my lips and took a sip. The liquid was surprisingly sweet with a hint of bitterness underneath.
Just as the door clicked shut, Lyralei lunged forward, her hand striking mine. The flute tumbled to the ground, spilling the remainder of the liquid onto the floor.
"Don't drink any more of that," she hissed, her face inches from mine, eyes wide with urgency.
I stood frozen, staring at her intense expression.
"What? Why?—"
She gripped my arm, fingers digging in almost painfully. "Nothing is what it seems. Remember that."
Before I could demand more information, she released me and hurried toward the door, disappearing into the hallway without another word.
I was left alone, the taste of the drink still lingering on my tongue, and my heart thundering in my chest.