Noorh navigated the hallways until he reached the door that led to the gardens. He crossed the trellises where the vines dangled their fragrant white flowers overhead. It was as if the garden was welcoming him home in its own way. He took a turn down the labyrinth of hedges where he hid behind as a child until he reached a small old cottage in the middle of it.Noorh paused in front of its wooden door and closed his eyes. He only spent a few days away from the decrepit house but it seemed like so much had changed. It wasn't the plants or the structure of the house.It was him.Noorh opened the door and stepped inside the threshold. He flicked the light switch on the wall, filling the sparse living room with a warm glow. It appeared the same as he left it. Even the kitchen looked the same. He walked to the bedroom that he called his prison cell growing up. He didn't bother to turn on the light and immediately made a beeline for the curtains covering the window.Noorh pushed the curtain

History wasn't one of Kiran's strong suits largely because it often required memorizing dates and names of people. Thankfully, Diel - despite his snobbish and haughty demeanor - was a great storyteller. He managed to teach her the history of Lahnthea as if he was merely telling Kiran a well-written summary of a famous novel.The ancestors of the people of Lahnthea lived in a small village situated in a forest surrounded by mountains. Weather conditions were harsh at the time because the Darkness ruled over the land. One day, the small village experienced the worst pestilence in its existence. Famished beasts raided the village, destroyed their farms, and slaughtered helpless citizens. The attack also left behind diseases that slowly killed those who survived.Tired of the pain and suffering, a young and talented hunter named Nilraenne Lahn Ithea led the small group of surviving young men and women on a journey beyond the mountains in search for food. They met people fr

Kiran gaped at Noorh, unsure about how to answer his question since there was a chance that Khas had been a figment of her imagination. But if her doubts had truth, then how did she end up in the sofa? Khas had to be real!"K-Khas…the other t-totem like D-Diel?" she shyly said, hoping that Noorh would recognize the description."The other totem?" Noorh muttered. "Oh!" he exclaimed, remembering something. "You mean Masielle!""Right!" Kiran agreed, remembering Khas' lengthy full name. "He told me to call him 'Khas.'""Of course," Noorh said, nodding. "The relationship between the Lahnthean Aria and the totems are special. I should have realized it sooner.""So you know him?" Kiran curiously asked, relieved that Khas was real.Noorh smiled at her. "Everyone knows the totems," he said. "And yes, I have spoken to him a few times. He keeps to himself a lot and he usually only speaks with the elders of the citadel."Kiran slowly nodd

Lady Saia was just as elegant and beautiful as Kiran remembered from the banquet, if not more. Every movement she made as done with an air of sophistication and grace, complimenting her stunning features. Kiran couldn't help but think that Saia undoubtedly deserved to be crowned as queen."I'm sorry," Saia began. "I didn't mean to rudely interrupt your lunch. I've always wanted to meet you personally after the banquet, but I heard that this is the only time you were available.""Oh no, please, it's alright," Kiran quickly said, rising to her seat. "I'm happy to meet you here. I've also been looking forward to talking with you more. You can take this seat if you like," she said, offering the chair across from her. "Diel-I mean totem Siit won't be joining me for lunch today.""Thank you, that's very kind of you, your grace," Saia said before gracefully taking the seat."Please call me 'Kiran,'" Kiran replied, taking a seat herself. "I’m not really into being addressed like that."Saia s

Diel's lessons thankfully ended without leaving Kiran another life-threatening homework. He even retracted the assignment he gave her in the morning after she showed him the book that Noorh gave her at lunch. Diel also cancelled their lessons for the next day, which would have been something she would have celebrated if it wasn't given after a slightly tensed conversation she had with him when they wrapped up the day.Kiran walked down the garden path to her quarters with a frown on her face. Her mind kept repeating the incident in the classroom."That ends today's session," Diel announced, closing the book on his desk as he stood in front of Kiran. "Questions?"Kiran's conversation with Saia made her realize that she had to know exactly why Diel wasn't teaching her magic. Saia's explanation made sense, but it left her wondering why Diel didn't just outright explain it to her. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep that night if she just brooded over it so she threw all caution to the