The glow of the capital city was visible even from ten miles away, a soft, enchanting radiance piercing the darkness of the surrounding forest. These weren't the harsh, flickering lights of electricity that Alex had once imagined but the steady, warm glow of magic lamps. The streets and homes shimmered with these ethereal orbs, casting a golden hue over the cityscape.

Maren had explained them to me when I asked about the strange lights. He said these lamps were crafted using intricate magic formations, each one etched with precision to channel and store magical energy. According to him, the art of creating formations was one of the most complex and demanding magical disciplines, requiring not just power but an exceptional understanding of magic theory.

"It's not something you can pick up easily," Maren had said with a smirk. "Most people spend decades just trying to master the basics."

As I drew closer, the city's sheer size became more evident. The walls loomed tall and imposing, protecting what looked like an intricate labyrinth of streets within. The hum of life beyond the gates was almost tangible, a mixture of bustling activity and the faint hum of magic in the air.

The glow of the magic lamps grew brighter as I approached the city gates, their light reflecting off the tall stone walls that encircled the capital. The gates were massive, constructed from reinforced steel, with ornate carvings of magical sigils glowing faintly along the edges. A line of travelers and merchants had formed, waiting to enter under the watchful eyes of two guards clad in polished armor.

As I floated closer with Lyra, still under my floating spell, the guards stiffened. One of them, a burly man with a spear taller than himself, stepped forward and raised a hand.

"Halt! State your name and purpose," he commanded, his tone firm but not unfriendly.

I landed softly on the ground, carefully setting Lyra down beside me before responding. "My name is Alex, and I'm here seeking refuge for her and myself. We've traveled far."

The other guard, a younger man with sharp eyes, studied me and Lyra carefully. "She doesn't look well," he noted, nodding toward Lyra's unconscious form.

"She isn't," I admitted, glancing at her. "We were attacked on the way here. She needs rest and care."

The older guard frowned but seemed sympathetic. "The capital is a safe place, but entry isn't free," he said. "There's a small fee—two silvers per person."

I felt a pang of worry as I reached for my pouch. I hadn't checked how much money I had left since leaving the last village. Thankfully, I found enough to pay.

This money was given to Alex by Maren so he could buy whatever he wanted when she saw his poor state. But Alex didn't have anything to buy, so he had the money that was given to him by Maren till now.

After a brief exchange of coins, the younger guard stepped aside and pushed the gate open slightly. "Welcome to the capital. Head straight to the main plaza; the healers' guild is near the center. They can help your friend."

I nodded my thanks, picked up Lyra again, and floated her gently as I walked through the gates. The city unfolded before me, bustling with activity. Magic lamps illuminated the streets, and vendors called out, advertising their wares. The hum of life and the faint flicker of magic made the air feel alive, a stark contrast to the perilous journey we had just endured.

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The streets of the capital were wide and paved with smooth cobblestones that reflected the warm glow of the magic lamps. Buildings with ornate designs and colorful banners lined the main road, each one more intricate than the last. The smell of roasted meat, fresh bread, and sweet confections filled the air as vendors manned their carts, calling out to passersby with cheerful voices.

I floated Lyra just ahead of me, careful to keep her steady as I navigated through the bustling crowd. People gave me curious glances—some wary, others merely intrigued—but no one stopped me. The capital was lively and loud, a stark contrast to the quiet wilderness I'd just escaped.

Near a small crossroads, a young woman selling pastries noticed my tired expression and waved at me. "Traveler! You look like you've had a rough journey. How about something sweet to refresh you?"

I stopped, unsure if I should. Lyra needed immediate attention, but the smell of the pastries was tempting. "Not now," I replied with a polite smile, nodding toward Lyra. "She's not well, and I need to find the healer's guild."

The vendor's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. "The healer's guild is in the central plaza—just follow this main road until you see the fountain. You can't miss it."

"Thank you," I said, already moving forward.

The crowd thinned slightly as I approached the heart of the city, and soon the fountain she mentioned came into view. It was massive, carved from pale stone and adorned with magical glyphs that caused the water to shimmer faintly as it flowed. Beyond the fountain was a tall building with an arched entrance, its facade marked with the symbol of a glowing staff—a clear sign that this was the healer's guild.

I wasted no time, floating Lyra up the steps and through the open doors. Inside, the air was cool, and the faint scent of herbs lingered. A woman in flowing robes, likely one of the healers, looked up from a desk as I entered. Her eyes flicked to Lyra, and she immediately stood, concern evident in her expression.

"She needs help," I said simply, letting the exhaustion seep into my voice.

The healer nodded, motioning for me to follow her. "Bring her this way. We'll do what we can."

As I floated Lyra into the treatment room, I couldn't help but glance around at the shelves lined with glowing potions and the softly glowing magic circles inscribed on the floor. The capital was unlike anything I had ever experienced, and I could only hope it would offer the safety and resources I needed.

The healer led me through a corridor lined with glowing orbs embedded into the walls. Each step illuminated faint magical sigils beneath our feet, pulsing softly as we moved deeper into the building. The air felt thick with energy—calm, yet commanding respect.

We reached a spacious treatment room where several beds were arranged in neat rows. Other patients rested there, some with minor injuries and others attended by robed healers murmuring incantations. The healer gestured for me to set Lyra on an empty bed near the window.

I gently floated her down, releasing the spell as her body settled onto the soft mattress. The healer knelt beside her, placing her hands over Lyra's chest. A soft green glow emanated from her palms as she closed her eyes, concentrating.

"Her condition is stable," the healer said after a moment, her tone calm but focused. "She's physically exhausted and has mild magic depletion, but nothing life-threatening. She'll need rest and some restorative potions to recover fully."

I nodded, relief washing over me. "Thank you," I said. "How long will it take for her to wake up?"

"She should regain consciousness in a few hours. For now, she needs quiet and uninterrupted rest." The healer rose, smoothing her robes. "Are you her guardian?"

Guardian? The word felt strange to me. "Not exactly," I replied. "We're traveling together, and she's been through... a lot."

The healer didn't press further. Instead, she motioned toward a small alcove where other travelers were seated. "You look like you could use some rest yourself. If you need food or water, speak to the apprentice near the desk. You'll also need to arrange a payment for the treatment, but we'll discuss that after she's better."

Payment. I immediately thought of the money Maren had given me. While I wasn't sure how much a healer's service would cost, it seemed prudent to ask. "Do you know how much the treatment will be?"

"Basic care like this is five silvers. Additional potions will add to the cost, depending on their potency."

Five silvers. It wasn't cheap, but it was manageable. I had Maren's coin for emergencies like this, and nothing was more important right now than ensuring Lyra's recovery.

"Thank you," I said, bowing slightly.