As they neared the edge of the woods, Ha-Yoon squinted into the distance, noticing a faint glow on the horizon. "What's that?" she yelled, pointing ahead.
"That," Minho said, his voice filled with a hint of awe, "it's a body of water."
As they flew closer, the siblings could see that the horizon wasn't just a line of darkness but a vast, glittering expanse of water that stretched out into infinity. The sight was so surreal that Ha-Yoon had to blink several times to make sure she wasn't dreaming. "But, it looks like it's below us," she whispered.
"So I'm guessing Yohen wasn't always a levitating piece of land?" Minho yells over the wind. "What are you talking about?" Si-Woo yells back, his eyes wide as they near the edge of the city.
"You'll see," Minho says, a smug smile playing on his lips as he urges Lemmy forward.
The wyvern obeys, and they fly away from the city's edge. Ha-Yoon's eyes widen as she sees the land of Yohen hovering in the air, hundreds of meters above the dark water. "It's... it's...," she stammers, unable to find the words.
"Magnificent," Si-Woo finishes for her, his voice filled with wonder. The sight of the floating city, basking in the moonlight, was something neither of them had ever imagined. It was like a floating utopia, a bastion of life amidst the vast, unexplored emptiness.
"Indeed," Princess Deane said, her gaze lingering on the water below. "Since the rift to Ondur appeared, we've noticed that the very essence of our realm has started to seep into the land of Yohen."
"What do you mean?" Ha-Yoon asked, her eyes still fixated on the breathtaking sight.
"Ondur is a place of serein and life," the princess began, her eyes shining with the light of the moon. "Since the rift opened, our essence has been slowly spreading into Yohen. It's why your parent's saplings can grow here, and it's why your bond with the Spade Wolves is so strong."
Minho nodded solemnly. "The earthquake was just the start. The land of Yohen is changing, and with it, our world is becoming more intertwined with the mortal realm.
Mai, who had been quietly petting the whiteblood wyvern on Si-Woos head, spoke up. "This place would be quite elusive for other species from the distant mainlands," she said, her voice filled with a hint of wistfulness.
Si-Woo's curiosity was piqued. He leaned forward, his eyes alight with excitement. "What do you mean?" he asked, eager to learn more about the world beyond the floating city.
"The mainlands are currently in a state of upheaval," Princess Deane explained, her tone solemn sounding as if she had seen the destruction. "A war of unprecedented scale has erupted over the last remaining lands. This realm is abundant in resources and has auras and energies I've never seen, leading species to fight tooth and nail to claim what remains. It's a sad but necessary reality. Our first priority is to ensure Ondur's survival and protect its people."
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Mai looked down at the water, her expression thoughtful. "But with the serein stones, we can help rebuild the bridges between worlds," she said, her eyes shining with hope.
But Ha-Yoon's stomach had other ideas. It growled loudly, interrupting the moment of awe. The siblings looked at each other, embarrassed, and laughed. Even in the face of wonder, hunger was an unavoidable reminder of their humanity.
"Well," Minho said, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "It seems like someone's stomach is more interested in our worldly affairs than in our celestial secrets. "He laughs as he looks over his shoulder. "Perhaps it's time we head back. We wouldn't want the king to get bored waiting for us."
The siblings' laughter joined the others as they turned Lemmy around, and the great beast dove towards the city, the wind rushing past them as they descended. The house grew closer, and Ha-Yoon couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mingled with trepidation. A new chapter of her life was about to begin, and she was eager to embrace it.
Upon returning to the house, they were greeted by the mouthwatering aromas of a feast that had been prepared in their honor. The kitchen table groaned under the weight of food, a cornucopia of dishes that were both familiar and foreign to their eyes. Ha-Yoon's stomach rumbled in anticipation as she took her seat beside Si-Woo.
Mai, noticing their hunger, served them both a steaming plate of food. She looked at Si-Woo with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with sisterly affection. "You know," she began, "I didn't stay behind just because of my academic studies."
Si-Woo looked up from his plate, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Mai's eyes held a fierce determination. "I've been going easy on you," she said, her voice serious. "But now that you are more familiar with Ondur and its people here, I won't hold back anymore."
Si-Woo raised an eyebrow, his mouth full of roasted meat. He swallowed and took a sip of a fizzy, purple drink that tickled his nose. "What do you mean?" he asked, a hint of challenge in his voice.
Mai's smile grew a bit more fierce. "You've had enough of an adjustment period," she said, setting down her plate and leaning in closer to him. "Now, it's time for you to show us what you're really made of and I won't hold back anymore so don't fall behind,"
Si-Woo felt a surge of adrenaline. He knew what she meant. Since arriving in Ondur, he had been the one needing help, the one who had to adapt. But now, with the bullies at school and the weight of their mission, it was time for him to step up. He nodded, his eyes gleaming with resolve. "I won't," he promised.
The meal passed quickly, filled with laughter and stories from the fae's past. Ha-Yoon felt a warmth spread through her chest as she listened to tales of adventure and friendship, feeling more and more at home in this new world. When the last crumbs were cleared away, Minho looked at them seriously. "Now, we must prepare for the migration and the council meeting tomorrow," he said. "The future of Ondur rests on our shoulders."
The next week passed in a blur of activity. Fae and creatures from all walks of life descended upon Yohen, each one bearing their most precious possessions. The city had become a bustling hub of activity as families found their new homes among the floating islands. The siblings watched as the landscape below changed day by day, the once empty space now teeming with life and color.