Chapter 34: Shadows Beneath the Walls
The first fingers of dawn stretched across the eastern horizon as Magnolia City stirred awake. Lanterns dimmed on cobblestone streets, replaced by the soft glow of morning light that crept between rows of half-timbered houses and glass-domed market stalls. A hush lingered in the air—too quiet for a port city, too unnatural for a place once renowned for its bustling trade and ceaseless chatter.
We walked in silence beneath the towering archway that bore Celeste’s royal sigil, our cloaks trailing like shadows behind us. Every step echoed with purpose, and yet my heart felt strangely light, as if something unseen was gently tugging me forward.
“…child…”
The whisper was soft—barely audible against the sea breeze—but it was enough to make me pause mid-s
