"Okay, I think it's fine." he finally said, standing up with a satisfied gesture. "You can get dressed."
Amara turned towards him, giving him an amused grimace. "I hope my butt isn't causing you too many problems..." she said, trying to lighten the awkwardness of the situation with a joke.
Zelodio laughed, amused by her reaction. "Don't worry," he replied with a confidence that reassured her immediately. "In fact, your butt is perfect for the role. Even those of the female fornigo have just that shape, and it's one of the features that makes the disguise even more convincing. A perfect story for those watching us."
Amara remained silent for a moment, reflecting on Zelodio's words. Then, with a slightly more relaxed smile, she replied: "Well, I hope my 'story' doesn't cause too much trouble..."
The day of departure arrived with a slight tension in the air. Zelodio and Amara prepared to leave the house, the refuge that had welcomed their complicity for an entire month. On board the dirigible, with its engine grumbling like an old sleeping lion, they finally took off towards the capital of the Kingdom of Sinchero: Corvintia.
As the small dirigible sped through the clouds, Amara looked out the window and watched the landscape slowly change beneath her. The mountain peaks, which had once dominated the horizon, gave way to a sea of shimmering buildings and wide streets winding like rivers of stone. Finally, they came into view of Corvintia.
The capital presented itself before their eyes like an imposing work of art, blending elegance and grandeur. The stone towers rising into the sky seemed almost to touch the clouds, covered in a reflective metal coating that shone in the sunlight as if it had been forged by the stars themselves. The streets were wide and paved with smooth marble cobblestones, and everywhere there were fountains of crystal-clear water sparkling under the sun, surrounded by statues of noble vampires who seemed to live forever in their silence. The squares, all adorned with elegant plants and vibrant-colored flowers, were places of meeting and exchange, where the scent of life mixed with the fresh air of the capital.
The constant flow of people gave Corvintia a palpable energy. Elegant vampires, with their silver hair and eyes that seemed to reflect the moon itself, walked confidently through the crowd. There were also humans, dwarves, and elves, each with their own distinctive style contributing to the creation of a tapestry of cultures, traditions, and intertwined stories. The dirigible finally landed in a large square, right in the heart of the capital. The ground was shaken by the soft but firm impact, and when they got off, Amara looked around. The square was immense, with a lively market offering all kinds of goods: sparkling jewelry, fine fabrics, shiny technological objects, and food products with intoxicating scents. In the center of the square, a large marble fountain sculpted with the figure of a woman with dragon wings that seemed to dance under the water jets stood majestically.
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But among all those people, Amara couldn't help but notice how everyone seemed to be attracted to her.
The mechanical tail, which moved gracefully every time she shifted, and her pointed ears, visibly elvish thanks to Zelodio's ingenuity, caught everyone's gaze. Curious, puzzled, and even admiring glances soon followed. Some vampires stopped to watch her with interest, others whispered to each other, while still others eyed her with a certain caution, as if her appearance was somehow... different.
Zelodio, walking beside Amara, seemed completely at ease. It wasn't the first time he had attracted attention with his appearance and inventions, but this time, the company of the girl, as captivating as she was enigmatic, was surely stealing the show. A mischievous smile touched his lips when he noticed some vampires trying not to seem too curious, but their eyes betrayed their interest.
"Don't worry, Amara." he said with a contained laugh. "In Corvintia, we're used to everything. Sometimes it's more interesting to look at those who don't quite fit the expectations. But you look great."
Amara, although surprised by the amount of attention she was drawing, tried not to show it too much. She felt a little uncomfortable, but she promised herself not to be discouraged. "After all, I'm here with Zelodio, and he knows how to move in this world," she thought, trying not to be overwhelmed by the curiosity of others. Despite this, Amara felt a growing excitement. The city was welcoming her, and in time, she would adapt to this new world too.
The next day would be the birthday of the youngest son of the noble Aurivell family, one of the most influential houses in Corvintia. The Aurivell family, known for its economic and political power, was one of the most prestigious in the Kingdom of Sinchero. This event was considered of great importance, and Zelodio, although not particularly enthusiastic just a few days ago, was now eager to attend. But first, he decided to take advantage of the free day to guide Amara and show her the wonders of the capital.
Corvintia, with its magnificence, seemed to have something special at every corner. They walked through its elegant streets, where narrow alleys suddenly opened up to vast squares, filled with people chatting, shopping, and socializing. Zelodio, with his perfect knowledge of the city, took her to the liveliest markets and the most exclusive restaurants. Amara tasted dishes she never would have imagined trying: spiced meat, honeyed sweets covered in golden powder, and sparkling drinks that left a trail of freshness on her tongue. Every bite was a discovery, each dish a new experience that made her smile.
The day flew by with laughter, the curious glances of the people, and the frantic rhythm of the city. Amara finally felt at ease, far from the fear that had initially overwhelmed her. The city, despite its grandeur, no longer seemed so foreign.