“Why is it bigger than the one in the school?”
The hum of the pulsing energy was louder than at Nightfall.
“This place is ancient. The portal has been growing ever since it was first discovered,” Blake said. “All we can do is try to contain it.”
I took a step back, feeling the intense power that was emanating from it.
“Where are we?” I asked in awe.
Beneath my feet, marble floors were covered in dust and debris. I’d never seen such grandeur before, not even in the most ornate palaces, but it was overtaken by time and neglect.
“Valendial La’Thenya—The Palace of the Sun. We are currently in a centralized area of the Realm. The energy that this place was built with comes from ancient times. It far exceeds our own abilities today. Our blood has become diluted over time. Come,” Blake said. “We have much to do.”
He headed for an exit, and I followed. My eyes were still adjusting to the light, yet when I looked out the windows, it appeared to be nighttime.
“Why’s it so bright?” I asked.
“You are adjusting to the more complex energy fields in this world. I am still holding you up with my everi,” he said, turning into a corridor.
“Holding me up?”
Suddenly, it was hard to stay upright and I dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes. I cast Blake a glare from my hands and knees.
“Gravity is stronger here. The makeup of this world is denser and of elements you are not used to. You will adjust eventually, but for now, I shall assist you,” he said, taking off again.
The air around me became lighter, and Blake’s energy wrapped around me again. As much as I enjoyed the presence of his everi I was still annoyed I needed such assistance.
The corridors were grand, much like the room we’d arrived in. Moss and vines had overtaken the interior walls. As I took in what little I could see as we passed by windows, I made out a great ravine and mountains in the landscape. My vision was still blurry, but the stars lit the sky.
“Have you ever ridden a horse before?” he asked as he helped me down a grand curving stairway.
“Uh, once,” I said, moving slowly and carefully.
“It is poor timing getting here at night,” he said. “There is a place not far from here where we can stay. We should not be missed for a night.”
I looked around. This place was an abandoned palace.
“Why can’t we stay here until morning?” I asked.
“It is not safe to stay near the rift on this side,” he said. “We shall get to a safe location for the night, and tomorrow I will take you to the Void.”
“Come on,” he said.
I followed him down several staircases; some of the stone steps shifted and crumbled beneath my feet.
Blake took my hand, steadying me as we went.
We entered a vast, open space where shadows cascaded like streams throughout.
It was a ballroom.
An ornate and breathtaking room of gilded glory and cracked floors.
What had happened here?
Furniture and portraits were still hung where they’d been placed. Whatever had happened had been quick. My exhilaration from before was slowly waning as I took in my surroundings.
I felt its pain, as if it were still happening. What had once been a vibrant home had been desecrated and abandoned.
