CHAPTER THREE
THE BOY BEYOND THE DOOR
Aetheria was more beautiful than Elara's imagination.
They traveled along a road made of glowing stones.
Magical birds flew above them.
Trees whispered when the wind passed through their leaves.
Streams flowed with liquid light.
Elara couldn't stop looking around.
"Is everything here alive?"
"Almost everything."
"Almost?"
"Some things are more dangerous than alive."
She glanced at him.
"That's not reassuring."
Kael laughed.
It was the first time Elara had heard genuine laughter directed at her.
She liked it.
Much more than she wanted to admit.
Eventually, they reached a magnificent city.
Crystal towers rose toward the sky.
Bridges floated between buildings.
People walked through colorful markets.
Children chased glowing butterflies.
Musicians played magical instruments.
People smiled.
People argued.
People hugged.
People loved.
Elara stood frozen.
"This is..."
"Too much?"
She shook her head.
"No."
Tears appeared in her eyes.
"It's beautiful."
Kael watched her.
"You've never seen anything like this."
"No."
She wiped her cheek.
"Back home, people don't feel."
Kael's expression became serious.
"I know."
"How?"
"Because your world wasn't always like that."
Elara looked at him.
"What happened?"
Kael didn't answer.
Instead, he said,
"You need to meet the queen."
* * *