Chapter 20: The City of Mirages
January 18, 2026 at 10:11 AM
The Ember guided them through the desert like a living compass, glowing brighter whenever they drifted off course. Hours passed. The suns shifted overhead in impossible patterns, but the Ember kept them grounded in reality.
Eventually, the dunes gave way to something unexpected.
A city.
Tall spires of glass and gold rose from the sand, shimmering like heat haze. Streets wound between crystalline towers, and fountains of liquid light cascaded into glowing pools.
Aestus blinked. “Is this… real?”
Flora held up the Ember.
It glowed steadily.
“It’s real enough,” she said.
They landed at the city’s edge. The dragon curled protectively around a cluster of pillars while Flora and Aestus stepped inside.
The city was silent.
No people.
No movement.
Only the faint hum of magic vibrating through the air.
Aestus touched a glass wall. “This place is ancient. Older than Auron. Older than the Flamebringers.”
Flora walked toward a central plaza where a massive obelisk stood, covered in runes that pulsed with soft blue light.
At its base lay a stone tablet.
Flora brushed off the sand.
Her breath caught.
“It’s a warning.”
Aestus leaned over her shoulder. “Read it.”
Flora swallowed.
“Beyond this city lies Oblivion. Only those who have faced their truth may enter. All others will be unmade.”
Aestus stepped back. “Unmade? That sounds… unpleasant.”
Flora rolled the tablet back into place. “We’ve already passed the trial. We’re going.”
A faint whisper drifted through the plaza.
Aestus stiffened. “Did you hear that?”
Flora nodded. “We’re not alone.”
Shadows shifted between the crystalline towers.
Something was watching them.
