Page 129 of Godbound
Streaks of radiant light appear, arching across the heavens like celestial veins. Not stars, not comets, but something otherworldly. Tunnels of iridescent light coil and dance above us, glowing in hues of gold, emerald, and sapphire. They twist shimmering, vanishing, returning in bursts of magic too perfect to be real.
“The Veylnar Tunnels,” I whisper reverently. The sight stealsthe breath from my lungs. They look like the remnants of forgotten dreams, painted across the dark red sky.
I turn my face toward him, my voice trembling. “Do you think the stories are true? That the tunnels can take someone into the dreamlands?”
He watches the sky a long moment before speaking. “A realm where desires and fears merge,” he murmurs, as if remembering something far away. “A place where everything you want could be yours if you’re willing to pay the price.”
His eyes stay on the sky as he takes in a long, thoughtful breath. “I’ve come to believe the dreamlands aren’t a place. They’re a promise. A vision of what could be, offered to those willing to lose themselves in the pursuit.”
His words settle deep inside me. “And if you could step into them,” I ask, quietly now, “what would you hope to find?”
His answer is immediate. “Something I cannot have.”
The honesty in his voice undoes something in me. I want to ask what, but I already know.
I lean into his warmth instead, letting the silence speak for me. Behind us, the music drifts through the garden again, soft and distant.
And just before I close my eyes, I glance back toward the column. Liona is gone. But I know what she saw.
She saw me choosing the impossible. And holding it close.
By sunrise, it already feels like I don’t belong to the Palace anymore. I gathered a few of my things right after the ball and moved them into one of the small rooms above Micheline’s bar.
I’m no longer Ryker’s bride. No longer my father’s daughter. I don’t belong in the castle, among the nobles. So I left. And to my surprise, Eva didn’t try to stop me.
Instead, she shoved a bag of coins into my arms and said she’d help me until the day she dies. Her voice wavered slightly, but she didn’t cry. Neither did I. Instead, I hugged her tighter than I ever have before.
When we settled, I casually asked if Micheline had spoken to Peonica recently. Eva said she hasn’t seen her in a few days either, which is strange.
Peonica doesn’t stay gone. I decide to go find her first thing in the morning and set things right.
The room I move into is small but cozy, with the scent of thyme and burnt candle wax in the air. There’s only a bed, a table, and one stool. Still, I haven’t felt this much peace in… maybe ever.
I no longer have to live in fear of my father’s judgment. No longer have to worry if Ryker would be proud of every word I say, every step I take.
They all gave up on me in the end.
And somehow, I’ve made peace with that, sitting on the edge of my bed as the morning light crawls across the wall through the widewindow. A quiet relief settles into my chest.
My eyes drift to Kaelzar’s cloak, sprawled across the floor where he slept. Just cloth, but it looks like more. Like a pool of dangerous shadow, watching me.
My magic stirs in response. I stare back, unflinching. Whatever power lingers in that ancient thing, I won’t let it frighten me.
A knock breaks the moment. I jolt, and Kaelzar walks in holding a tray of food. A smile breaks across my face, wide and automatic until I see his grim expression.
The chains across his chest flicker in and out of visibility under his vest. But I don’t have to wonder why for long. A figure steps in behind him.
One of the Sibyls.
He folds his hands into the sleeves of his black robe. His eyeless face is blank, untouched by emotion as he stops in front of the bed.
“Raylane Troubelle, I’m here to escort you and your Godbeast to the arena for the third Challenge. Please, get ready immediately.” That’s all he says before turning to stand by the door.
Kaelzar glares at him like he’s an enemy I’ll have to fight. I exhale and glance at the tray—sugar buns and tea. It would’ve been a good breakfast.
“Leave it for when we come back,” I say, my eyes meeting Kaelzar’s stormy gaze. He understands. I’m planning on coming back. To this food. To this room. With him.
He nods, sets the tray on the table, and picks up his cloak. I slide off the bed, my feet hitting the wooden floor with a firm thud.
