Chapter twenty-eight
Grekheim, the tenth world
The man stood before Penelope, his hands alight with enchantnt as he waved them gracefully. In response, vibrant, colorful flowers began to bloom in mid-air, swirling like a kaleidoscope of light around her.
They twirled playfully, their luscious petals glistening in the light, before gently cascading down to rest in her outstretched hands.
But just as she reached to touch them, they dissolved into shimring motes, evading her grasp. With a flick of his wrist, the man conjured small orbs of light that hovered and danced in the air like tiny stars co to life.
They illuminated their surroundings, casting hues of blue, green, and amber that wove seamlessly with the sounds of nature. The soft rustling of leaves and the lodious chirping of birds harmonized with the glowing orbs.
As the man gestured with elegant precision, an eerie stillness enveloped the world around him. The bustling sounds of life faded into an unsettling silence, and everything within his realm paused, suspended in a surreal tableau. Penelope gasped as she watched a nearby bird—its wings outstretched mid-flap—pause in mid-air, suspended in a mont that stretched into eternity.
Then, with an effortless twirl of his fingers, he shifted the atmosphere around them. A light drizzle began to fall, each drop sweet like honey, kissing her skin with a refreshing touch. It felt as if the very air was infused with magic. Almost imdiately, the weather transford; the rain dissipated as a brilliant sun broke through the clouds, warming her with its golden rays.
Penelope smiled broadly. The sun ward her skin. A breeze brushed past, fragrant with blooming flowers. She closed her eyes, savoring the mont.
Bliss surrounded her.
But sothing stirred in the air—a whisper of secrets.
Her heart raced.
The sound of a bell tolled deeply from sowhere beneath the ocean, resounding from a cathedral hidden in the depths of Atlantis. Each chi echoed ominously, signaling sothing significant.
With a heavy heart, Elizabeth rose from her bed and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, determination beginning to take root in her thoughts.
It had been nearly two weeks since her last adventure—a treacherous journey that had left her breathless and haunted by mories of near ruin. The dizziness that lingered from her encounter with the Oriental Plane felt like a shroud over her mind, and the growls of the giantess still echoed hauntingly in her mory.
She could scarcely shake off the terror of how perilous their newly chosen Counselor had turned out to be.
It's been so long since they returned, but not a single letter asking how everything was going has been sent to their mailbox, and not a single soulblender has worried about their ex-counselor.
She cast a glance toward her nightstand, where her treasured weapon—the frost dagger—lay waiting. It had served her well in battle against the giantess, yet the cold fear of that confrontation still lingered in her veins.
"Elizabeth?" A bright, cheerful voice broke through her reverie.
Peeking out from the doorway, she saw Emily’s radiant face, filled with excitent.
"What’s happening?" Elizabeth asked, hastily dressing and stepping out into the hallway.
Descending the grand marble staircase, she found Percy and Veronica engaged in animated conversation on the plush sofa, laughter spilling into the air like music.
Percy lounged comfortably, his knees drawn up to the cushions while Veronica rested her head against his shoulder, a picture of camaraderie amid the uncertainty that lood in their collective futures.
Penelope nodded at the man as he handed her a beautifully crafted room key, its design imbued with ornate carvings, and guided her to the far left door.
Upon entering, she was struck by the luxuriousness of the room. Richly upholstered furniture in deep shades of burgundy and gold filled the space, while delicate drapes frad the large window overlooking the vast gardens outside. Curious, Penelope wandered over to the small table in the corner where a newspaper sat invitingly.
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It was the publication that introduced the candidates for the upcoming roles, showcasing photographs and personal anecdotes of each individual vying for a position. As she began to scan through the pages, her mind raced, and an instinctive feeling of unease settled in her stomach.
Sothing was off, she thought, as her eyes darted back and forth.
A sudden wave of unease gripped Elizabeth, a sour feeling that twisted in her stomach like a tightening coil.
Her gaze was involuntarily drawn to Percy, who was leaning in close to Veronica, his voice animated and his laughter vibrant, creating a delightful symphony that echoed softly between them.
They were huddled over a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate, sharing a single straw in a mont that felt almost intimate, the kind of camaraderie that made Elizabeth's heart clench with a bittersweet pang.
She was aware, on so level, that their exchange was rely that of friends, yet a fierce, unwelco jealousy coiled tightly within her. She shook her head vigorously, attempting to cast away the bitterness clinging to her thoughts, yet deep down, she recognized that such feelings were indeed troubling.
On the polished wooden table nearby lay a piece of paper, its edges crisp and clean. Curiosity piqued, Elizabeth reached out and picked it up, feeling the cool surface against her fingertips. In bold green ink, the ssage proclaid:
Congratulations, you are invited to attend the Election Campaign! Please gather at the cathedral at seven o’clock in the morning.
Jessica Josephine.
A tumultuous swirl of confusion enveloped her mind. An Election Campaign?
Why were they chosen as invitees?
Jessica Josephine knew perfectly well that they were soulblenders, a group traditionally forbidden from entering the Ethereal House.
With her mind racing through a storm of questions, Elizabeth hoisted her bag over her shoulder and made her way toward the cathedral alongside her companions.
By the ti they arrived, the grandeur of the Grand Cathedral overwheld her senses.
It buzzed with winged beings flitting about, creating a chaotic yet euphoric atmosphere, their conversations mingling into a delightful hum.
Outside, the gentle coastal wind rustled through thick strands of kelp, planted decoratively on the soft, squishy seabed.
A small group of seahorses, tethered like colorful little ornants near the entrance, were engaged in a low, animated conversation. Elizabeth overheard snippets of their gossip—phrases like “Our savior is approaching” and “Long live Dolores the Evil”—but she paid no attention to them.
Seahorses always gossip about nonsense.
But, not always, not this ti at least.
She stepped through the towering archways into the cathedral’s grand hall, and her breath hitched at the sight before her.
The walls glead with pure white marble, effortlessly reflecting the warm light from a magnificent crystal chandelier hanging above, its many facets casting a constellation of sparkling reflections that swirled and danced across the surfaces around them.
They settled into plush, winged armchairs that enveloped them in comfort, gathered around an elegant circular table that promised warmth and camaraderie.
As she scanned the room, her eyes landed on Percy, who radiated joy as he sat down.
Across the room, Emily was nestled next to a curly-haired man.
With a quick wave to Veronica, hoping to bridge the distance, Elizabeth attempted to approach her friends. Yet, a throng of eager attendees suddenly filled the space, creating a barrier that left her feeling trapped and agitated.
Feeling a rush of anxiety, she pivoted to find a solitary seat beside a captivating young man. His hair was silver and flowed like a shimring waterfall, swaying gently as he moved. His bright, piercing eyes locked onto her with an intensity that made her heart flutter.
“Hello, may I sit here?” she inquired, her voice slightly breathless. He nodded curtly, an unspoken invitation for her to take a seat.
“I’m Elizabeth,” she introduced herself, hoping to dispel the awkwardness.
“Morris Morgan,” he replied, and a flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes.
“Elizabeth? Ah, Veronica ntioned you! She described you as kind and intelligent, and I can see she wasn’t mistaken.”
“Veronica spoke of ?” Elizabeth asked, a mixture of astonishnt and intrigue flooding her senses.
“Yes, my fiancée,” Morris said with a warm smile, his deanor brightening as he gently placed a scoop of creamy pudding onto her plate and poured her a glass of velvety eggnog, the rich aroma wafting up to her nose and promising a delightful taste.
"I had just co by. Anyway, I'm rehearsing for the election training, you know, the Election Campaign.”
Awkwardly, Elizabeth had the glass of eggnog. Coughing softly into a lace handkerchief, she started staring at the bottom of her cup. She was too scared to make eye contact with Morris.
She couldn't imagine this.
Veronica, their forr counselor, was engaged?
Elizabeth must have caught the wrong word.
But then, sothing else ca into her mind—If this man was coming to the Ethereal House too—
Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief; that could only an that everyone at S.I. was invited, and she didn't have to worry about being caught or tricked.
"Well, good luck!" said Elizabeth with a reluctant smile.
"Thanks," said Morris tenderly, beaming. He brushed his silvery hair over his shoulder and reached for a dessert comfortably.
"So, how is everything going on after your first mission? What is your task, exactly?"
"That's too inconsequential to explain. Plus, why are you so interested?" asked Elizabeth vigilantly as she poured so champagne into her cup and didn't even notice it had overflowed the cup.
Morris wiped it off the table. He smiled warmly and said genuinely, "I just wanna help you—if you’re not up for it, whatever, forget I said anything."
"Well, actually—" began Elizabeth, looking a bit less weary now.
Just then, she thought about her dream, the mysterious voice, and Grekheim.
"Wait, can you tell sothing about the nine worlds?"
"Yeah, well, listen, you must know the nine worlds sustained and nourished by Yggdrasil, right?
Well, actually, here is another world, the tenth world—Grekheim."
Elizabeth's heart leaped with excitent.
Leaning forward, her eyes widened.
Morris paused.
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