Aurelia Delensar and Caelum Valtaris slipped through the shadowed alleys of the Kingdom of Delensar, avoiding the patrols of the royal guards. The dim streetlights cast a murky glow, plunging the narrow lane into near darkness. Aurelia's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took in the unfamiliar sights beyond the palace walls. She had never ventured this far into the city, and every detail seemed to hold a new fascination.
She didn't consider the dangers that might lurk in the depths of the alley. Not that it mattered. Before any threat could materialize, Caelum's heavy blade would shatter it into oblivion.
The labyrinthine streets of the capital twisted like a chessboard, and soon, the towering golden spire of the palace's grand banquet hall was only a faint silhouette in the distance. As the midnight fog rolled in, the sharp tip of the spire, crowned by the statue of the Holy Light, vanished into the mist.
"Your Highness, we've arrived," Caelum's deep voice called from behind, blending seamlessly with the night. His towering frame halted before an unremarkable door, its gray curtain merging with the darkness. A faint breeze lifted the edge of the fabric, revealing the weathered, decaying wood beneath. The door was tucked so discreetly into the alley's crevice that it was easy to overlook.
Aurelia approached, her delicate features wrinkling in distaste. "Are we really staying here tonight?" she asked, her voice tinged with reluctance. The grimy surroundings were far beneath her standards—even her former pet would have balked at such a place. But Aurelia, for all her finicky nature, was determined to see her chosen path through. She tugged at her skirt and gestured for Caelum to pull back the curtain. "Let's go in."
"One moment," Caelum replied. He produced a silver, crescent-shaped token and fitted it into a corresponding slot on the door. With a precise twist, the mechanism clicked, and the door began to glow with a silvery light. The sound of grinding gears echoed faintly, like the slow, laborious turning of rusted clockwork. When the noise ceased, the once-dilapidated door had transformed into a polished silver surface adorned with intricate carvings.
"Is this a spatial magic array?" Aurelia asked, her eyes wide with wonder. She hadn't expected such profound magic in this unassuming alley. Spatial arrays created dual pathways—one of illusion and one of reality—and only those with the correct token could access the true path. Bards often sang of such complex enchantments, dubbing them "Eternity of Eldrath," after the deity who governed time and space. Though the Holy Light was now the dominant faith across the continent, Eldrath's followers remained among the ancient tribes of the northern wastes.
Aurelia peeked around Caelum's broad frame, her face illuminated by the magical glow. Her lashes fluttered like delicate wings, and her eyes sparkled with admiration. "This is amazing," she breathed.
Caelum watched her silently, his gaze both restrained and intense, like a wolf lurking in the shadows, its eyes fixed on its prey. The cold steel of his armor was mere inches from her fragrant skin, and the thought of closing that distance flickered in his mind. But he quickly averted his eyes, retreating into the role of the dutiful knight.
"Most inns in the capital require strict identity verification," he explained, his voice muffled by his helmet. "This place is exempt from the usual inspections."
Aurelia noticed the change in his speech. "Caelum, you're speaking much more fluently now," she said with a smile. "I used to worry you had a throat condition."
The knight remained silent, his stoic demeanor as unyielding as the mask he wore. Aurelia's interest waned, and she turned her attention back to the door.
"Please stay behind me," Caelum instructed as he pushed open the silver door. "The inn's environment is unique, and I must ensure your safety."
"Are there bounty hunters here? Or maybe rangers?" Aurelia chattered excitedly. "I've read they've traveled all over the continent. It sounds so thrilling!"
Caelum offered no response, and Aurelia pouted. Boring.
The moment the door opened, a wave of noise and chaos spilled out. The scent of ale, the clatter of cups, and the raucous laughter of patrons filled the air. But as Caelum stepped inside, the room fell silent. Every eye turned to the golden-armored knight, their gazes sharp and wary. The once-boisterous atmosphere turned icy, as if winter itself had descended.
Aurelia tried to peer around Caelum, but his broad shoulders blocked her view. He shifted subtly, ensuring she couldn't see the scene unfolding before them. His masked gaze swept the room, and the patrons scrambled to hide their non-human features. Ears were tucked away, tails concealed, and those too inebriated to manage their transformations reverted to their animal forms, pretending to be harmless pets.
"Is that a rabbit?" Aurelia's voice piped up from behind Caelum. She ducked under his arm, catching a glimpse of a white blur darting beneath a table.
Caelum stepped aside, his eyes darkening as he watched her curiosity bloom. He fought the urge to shield her from the room's unsettling energy. "Would you like roasted rabbit for dinner?" he asked, ignoring the indignant glare from the rabbit in question.
The plump creature's teeth chattered in outrage before it dramatically flopped over, feigning death.
Aurelia giggled. "I think I'd rather keep it as a pet. It's so fluffy."
Caelum walked beside her, shielding her from the lingering stares. "Do you like fluffy animals?" he asked, a hint of hope in his voice.
Aurelia glanced at him, her crimson lips curving into a smile, but she didn't answer. She skipped ahead to speak with the innkeeper, leaving Caelum behind.
The knight sighed, his expression hidden beneath his mask. His tail, which had perked up with anticipation, drooped dejectedly. He had hoped, if she liked soft creatures, to offer his own tail—flawless, pure, and far superior to any rabbit's. But it seemed the princess wasn't interested.