This was not a city haunted by restless things lurking in corners. The spirits moved through the streets the way wind moved through leaves, acknowledged but unfeared, their presence woven into the rhythm of daily life.
We walked deeper into the thoroughfares, and I began to notice the absence of the noises I had expected. There were no ringing hammers or shouting merchants, no chaotic markets or crowded stalls. Instead the air carried a quieter energy, the low murmur of concentration and the faint crackle of magic being coaxed into form.
Along one wall, several Veythar stood over a slab of glowing crystal, their long fingers guiding thin threads of violet light into delicate shapes within the stone.
Elsewhere, someone traced a rune along a doorway that brightened softly beneath their touch.
The buildings themselves seemed to rise naturally from the cavern floor, obsidian walls carved into clean lines. Nothing felt excessive or ornamental. Every angle looked purposeful, as though the city had been shaped by people who understoodexactly how much power a structure could hold before it became unstable.
My gaze drifted across the path, landing on woman who had her silver eyes pinned on us.
She was motionless as we approached, her posture composed with an ease that felt almost regal.
“Welcome, Master Talon,” she greeted with a bow. “The spirits sing of your return.”
“Eladaria,” Talon replied, his voice softening with respect. “It is good to see you.”
Eladaria’s gaze moved to me, a soft, knowing smile touching her lips as she reached out a hand. “And you must be Kaelia. The Umbral extends its hospitality to you and the bond you share with our Master.”
I forced myself to meet her pale stare, my voice steady despite the awe. “It is unlike anywhere I have ever seen. Thank you for allowing me here.”
A younger Veythar with mischievous amber eyes stepped from behind her, his grin broadening as he looked me up and down. “Are you the one our Master has been so occupied with?”
Eladaria gave him a reproving look. “Bater, mind your tongue.”
Bater only shrugged, his grin broadening. “I am merely an observer, Lady Eladaria. And I observe our Master has not smiled like that since the last time he challenged me in the Gauntlet.”
My head turned toward Talon, and I caught the faint curve of amusement tugging at the corner of his mouth.
The turquoise glow of the cavern caught along the sharp planes of his face, turning the pale blue of his eyes almost luminous. In the strange light of this city, he looked dangerously at home.
My heart gave an inconvenient, traitorous leap.
I was still staring when movement stirred beside us.
A woman stepped from the passing crowd with the kind of effortless grace that made space for her without asking. Her hair flowed behind her like liquid obsidian, the strands catching faint threads of violet light as she approached.
Her gaze was fixed entirely on Talon.
Amber eyes warmed the moment they landed on him, familiarity softening the sharp elegance of her features. As she drew closer, the faint shimmer of spirits flickered along the hollow at the base of her throat, restless sparks of silver that drifted lazily against her skin.
“Master, we had begun to think you had lost your way in the human realm,” she teased, her gaze shifting to me before moving back to Talon. “And who is this?”
Talon’s arm came around my waist, his fingers splaying out possessively against my waist. “Neya, this is Kaelia.”
I forced a small smile, though something inside me tightened as Neya’s gaze lingered on the hand Talon had settled at my waist.
“Lovely to meet you,” she said, her amber eyes flicking to mine. “Welcome to Umbral.”
She stepped away from us and walked away, my eyes struggling to not watch her graceful movements.
“Come,” he murmured.
His voice was low, meant only for me, and the quiet command drew my attention away from the retreating figure behind us. Still, as he guided me down a side corridor carved with slow-glowing runes, I found my thoughts snagging on the look Neya had given him.
And the way he had not returned it.
Not even a flicker.