This was something else. The world smelled clean and fresh, a welcome change from the processed stuff on her ship. She could smell dirt and growing things. The air tasted sweet on her tongue.
She closed her eyes, ignoring those around her and let herself feel. The everpresent knot in the pit of her stomach loosened as the peace of this place soaked into her soul.
A humming filled her ears, vibrating through her bones. The sensation was similar to when the Mea'Ave offered itself up, only gentler, these voices patient and wise.
Kira's eyes popped open as she looked around. Her lips parted in surprise and wonder.
"Do you hear that?" she asked Jin in a hushed voice.
"Hear what?"
She didn't answer, busy pinpointing the origin of the sound. She thought it was coming from the trees.
The sensation was indescribable, soothing her and leaving her feeling more herself than she had in years.
Graydon's gaze was contemplative when she looked up at him. He didn't say anything as he closed his eyes and leaned back, a soft smile on his face. That smile made Kira pause. It turned him from the autocratic ass she was used to into someone real.
She settled in and enjoyed the ride. There was plenty of time for her questions later.
They came out of the trees on a hill overlooking the land below. The scenery was beautiful and fierce, a patchwork quilt of farmland—tame, but with a hint of the wild too. In the distance, a large collection of towers stood, sprawling out in a dizzying array of lines as their walls glimmered in the afternoon sun.
Kira found herself leaning forward, curious, despite her reservations.
Three spires reached up to the sky from within, smaller towers and buildings framing them. It looked nothing like a human city, delicate and impossibly fragile while still managing to project a sense of strength. Momentous and wondrous in a way that made you feel small inside.
"The Citadel of Light, said to be the most beautiful gem of the Houses. It's been the seat of House Luatha's power for over five thousand years," Graydon said, watching the sparkling monument through veiled eyes.
Kira sat back. "It doesn't look very defensible."
Graydon's gaze shifted to Kira, a hint of wry humor on his face. "Don't let the Luathan's obsession with beauty fool you. They’ve managed to hold their position of dominance for many years. Just because something is pretty doesn't mean it won't bite."
Kira watched him, carefully dissecting his words. "Consider me warned."
The rest of the journey passed quietly and soon they were pulling up into a gravel courtyard.
The Citadel was no less impressive close up. If anything, it seemed like something straight out of a fairytale, complete with singing animals and dangerous beasts.
Its walls defied gravity, the swooping lines seemingly impossible as they held up the weight of the structure. Arches seemed to be a main theme, each as delicate and intricate as a snowflake.
If light and air had a physical embodiment, the Citadel would meet the requirements.
The place was meant to intimidate and impress, its history written in every line, stamped on every stained glass and lovingly crafted carving. It shouted “This is us. Our history spans thousands of years. You have no hope of competing with our greatness.”
It wasn't just a building, it was a work of art, carved over centuries, perhaps millennia, by the hands of hundreds of master craftsmen. Pride shone in every detail.
Despite its beauty, it left Kira feeling chilled, with the undeniable impression she didn't belong. That much was obvious. She didn't think it would be any different for the rest of the Curs either.
Judging by the forbidding expressions on the group awaiting them on the stairs in front of the Citadel's doors, they thought so, too.
The Luathans stood straight and proud, their bearing regal as they watched Kira and the rest approach. There was no sign of friendliness. Nothing to indicate they were looking forward to recovering a lost member of the flock. No. They wanted to throw Kira out and bar her from ever returning.
Her lips curved up in a private smile. That was fine with her.
Graydon disembarked first before holding out a hand to Kira. He arched an eyebrow at her when she didn't immediately take it, as if daring her to reject it. "If you want them to underestimate you, you need to play the part."
Kira didn't react outwardly to the statement. She shouldn't be surprised he'd guessed her plan. She liked it less that he was right.
Her instincts told her to present a strong front, to give these people no reason to think her weak. Reason, and years of experience warned it was better to keep them guessing about her true strength. If they saw her as someone weak and in need of protection, it would make manipulating them easier.
