3. Zyx

3

ZYX

K airos and Naia scramble to their feet, both eyeing my wings as they do so. Their faces are a canvas of questions, but I decide to take charge of the conversation before we all get overwhelmed.

It's better this way, I think. Let them get their bearings first.

"Regardless of where you've come from or how, I'm sure you'll want to celebrate," I say, expecting them to agree immediately.

Kairos cocks his head, his silver eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Celebrate?"

I'm taken aback, my wings rustling slightly in surprise. How could they not know? "It's the winter solstice – the most magical time in all of Nythorra," I explain, looking between the two of them. Their blank expressions make me pause. "You don't have festivals and feasts for the night?"

"No," Kairos says, raising an eyebrow. I don't miss the way his arms tighten around Naia in a protective gesture. I realize why when he asks, "What is so special about tonight?"

I can feel my grin widening, probably making me look like an overeager fool, but I don't care. The solstice has always been my favorite night of the year, and sharing it with newcomers? That's something special.

Though based on their looks, they seem to think I'm going to sacrifice them or something.

"Tonight, the veils between worlds are at their weakest," I explain. "Magic flows freely, more potent than ever. It's when we noctari truly come alive."

As I say it, I feel the very magic twining around me, pulsing through me. The shadows still cling to my legs, writhing as if joining in my excitement now that I am no longer in danger.

Naia's eyes widen, a mix of wonder and confusion dancing across her face. "It's not night, though."

I can't help but chuckle, the sound rumbling deep in my chest. "That's because the sky is always twilight here on Nythorra."

"No sun?" Kairos asks and I shake my head.

"The moons rotate. We have five, but which you can see changes. That's about as close as we get."

"No day," Naia murmurs. "No night."

I shrug. "But look at how gorgeous the sky is." I gesture up and they both look at the pinks and purples, the blues and reds and oranges. They scatter above us, twining beautifully. "Besides, the clouds shift and the color changes, so it feels like there is night and day."

"But if you have no sun, how do you even know when it's the solstice?" Naia asks. "It's not like your night is actually longer."

"Ah, but we feel it in our very bones. The air practically crackles with energy." In reflex, I spread my wings slightly, letting the magical current ripple through them. The sensation never fails to send a thrill down my spine. But the way they both jerk back, it seems they felt the wave, too. "And we do have calendars," I add with a wink.

Naia and Kairos say nothing, their silence making me a little uncertain. I decide to press on, filling the quiet with more details about our celebration. Part of me is itching to join the festivities, but I can't just abandon these two strangers. That leaves me with only one option, really.

"In every realm of Nythorra, noctari are preparing to celebrate," I continue, tipping my head back to check the moons' positions. "It's nearly time for it to start, when the moons center in the sky. Then, we'll feast on bioluminescent delicacies, dance in the streets until our feet ache, and give thanks for the magic that sustains us."

As I speak, I notice Kairos and Naia exchange a look. There's something in their eyes – fascination and a little longing that tugs at my heart. It hits me then how out of place they must feel, thrust into our world on such a significant night. I feel a sudden urge to make them feel welcome, to share the magic of this night with them.

I have a feeling it'll take some convincing, though.

"In Terramyst," I add, gesturing to the glowing flora surrounding us, "most of us gather near the crystal caves. Whether in the forest, mountains, or on the beach, as we are, there are an abundance of them."

I turn, pointing out a cluster of caves back towards the city, down by the beach. Even from here, I can see people starting to gather, their forms illuminated by the soft glow of bioluminescent plants and the shimmering light from the caves. The sight makes my heart race with anticipation.

"The energies there amplify the solstice magic, creating a light show like you've never seen." I pause, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. "Unless, of course, you've been to one of Netia's chaos parties in Vortexia. Now those are truly something else."

"Netia?" Naia asks.

"Goddess of Chaos," Kairos answers, but I can see so many more questions on his face than hers. He knows the gods, but that seems to be all he knows.

Maybe it's time to just show them, I realize.

I feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of sharing our festivities with two people who have never seen it before. I think it would make the solstice even more entertaining for me, at least.

"Listen," I say, my wings rustling slightly with anticipation. "I know you're probably overwhelmed, but I can't in good conscience leave you out here alone on a night like this. And I'm just about to head back." So much for hunting. "How about I guide you to the city? You can experience the solstice celebration firsthand."

Kairos and Naia exchange another look, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, Kairos nods. "We'd appreciate that, Zyxander. Thank you."

"Just Zyx is fine," I say with a grin. "Come on, it's not far. We'll follow the coastline – it's the quickest route."

As we set off, I can't help but point out the sights along the way. The bioluminescent plants glow brighter tonight, their colors shifting in mesmerizing patterns. "See those flowers?" I gesture to a cluster of iridescent blooms. "They only open on the solstice. Their nectar is said to grant visions of possible futures."

Naia's eyes widen. "Really? That's incredible."

I chuckle. "Well, that or a wicked hangover. Depends on how much you drink."

As we walk, I explain more about the celebration. "In the city, you'll see noctari from all walks of life. The caste system loosens a bit on nights like this. Everyone's too busy enjoying themselves to worry about status."

"Caste system?" Kairos asks, his brow furrowing.

I nod, realizing how much they don't know. "Based on magical aptitude and wing size, mostly. But tonight, none of that matters. You'll see high-caste mages dancing with craftsmen, warriors sharing drinks with scholars. It's... liberating."

We crest a small hill, and the city comes into view. Even from here, I can see the streets are already alive with celebration. Magical lights float through the air, and the sound of music drifts on the breeze.

"There it is," I say, unable to keep the pride from my voice. "Terraluna, jewel of Terramyst's coast. Ready to experience a real Nythorran solstice?"

As I'm about to lead Kairos and Naia into Terraluna, something shifts in the air. My wings twitch, responding to a change so subtle most wouldn't notice. But I'm not most people. Years of hunting and guarding have honed my senses to a razor's edge.

I freeze, my body tensing as I scan the coastline. The festive sounds from the city fade into background noise as I focus on our immediate surroundings. There's a disturbance, something that doesn't belong.

My wings spread slightly, an instinctive response to potential danger. I shift my stance, placing myself between my new companions and whatever threat might be approaching.

"Hold up," I whisper, my voice low and urgent. "Something's not right."

Kairos and Naia instantly go still, picking up on the tension in my voice. I'm impressed by their quick response – they may be strangers to our world, but they clearly understand danger.

"What is it?" Kairos murmurs, his silver eyes darting around.

I shake my head slightly. "Not sure yet. Stay close."

Without waiting for a response, I take off down the coast, my feet barely touching the sand as I move. My wings give me extra speed and balance as I navigate the uneven terrain. Behind me, I hear Kairos and Naia struggling to keep up, but I can't slow down. Whatever I've sensed, it's moving fast.

The shoreline blurs as I race along it, my eyes scanning for any sign of the disturbance. The bioluminescent plants cast an eerie glow over everything, making shadows dance and shift. It's disorienting, but I push through it, relying on instinct more than sight.

And whatever it is, it's practically screaming at me, begging me to come forth. I've never felt such a tug, though I want to blame it on the solstice. It must be with the kind of magic that is flooding toward me.

All I can think is I have to get there.