Lyla might have overcome the 'starving phase' of the misery inside her, but she was still quiet, hidden away in the dark room that had become her solace. It was still progress, the Paisios said, when the Keeper complained yet again
Anson, worried as usual, made it a point to visit from time to time, and on this particular day, he walked in with an offer. He remembered her love for horses, how she smiled and communicated with that radiant black Friesian as though it were of her kind, so he wanted to reach out to her with something similar. His Pegasus, Aurion
Lyla was initially in doubt, her raised brow indicating just how much she believed him.
"He's just outside," he said, offering his hand so that she could stand and follow
"If this is just a ploy to get me to go out…" she started
"I'm serious, I promise. If I'm lying, I'll never come back again. Ever"
Her curiosity was piqued. This was her opportunity to see the creature he had once mentioned, a flying horse. How wild was it to see a creature that belonged in fantasy right before your eyes? She walked to the bathroom, had a quick bath, and changed into some clothes left behind by an unknown stranger whenever she was asleep
Passing through the silent halls, Lyla took in the house she had been living in but had yet to explore. The house was spotless, not a hint of dirt nor anything out of place. The floors and walls looked pristine and clear enough for her to see her reflection; it reminded her of those rich people's mansions she always saw in movies. Was this what it looked like to be a perfectionist? She couldn't help but wonder
Different art adorned the halls, from paintings to sculptures, and each one seemed better than the last. If her situation were any different, she would have spent hours going to each one of the paintings and studied every detail; every curve, every line, every color, she would try to decipher what emotions the painter was trying to showcase, imagining what went on in their minds as they worked. Such blessed hands those people had to be able to create such art
They proceeded till they reached the door. The cold air hit her first as if to remind her that when she was holed up in that room, life still went on, and winter was reaching its peak. She pulled her coat tight around her and walked through, and there he was, in full might and grace, his golden colored fur a stark contrast to the snow. A creature made from the sun's rays. He was beautiful
Lyla walked closer, letting her feet carry her towards him like a beacon. He watched her in curiosity, tilting his head to the side as if trying to figure her out.
Aurion neighed when Anson brushed his fur, and she sought permission to get closer, letting the Pegasus sniff her hand before she stroked its neck
After a brief interaction, she settled on the closest bench in the garden and looked at the house. It was massive, tall, and elegant like a queen upon a throne. Beautiful
Movement at the side caught her attention, but as soon as the person spotted them, she rushed back in
"Who's that?"
"That's Ismene, she's the Keeper's student and the one who's been dropping off your food and clothes."
Well, at least now she knew who to thank. She was about to speak when something else, something bigger, caught her eye
Tall and grey, it stood passing through the house's courtyard and garden. A mighty wall made of what looked like mist or clouds obstructed the view of what lay beyond. But this was no ordinary wall, it rose reaching the skies and spread beyond the house with no end in sight
"What is that?"
"Remember when we told you that during the war, there was a truce that eventually ended up splitting our realm?" She nodded, "That's how."
"So you mean on the other side…"
"Yes, that is Umbraeth."
Anson went on to tell her a little about Umbraeth. He had only been there once for a mission after some creatures attacked this side, and they were tasked with getting rid of them. She was surprised to learn that normal beings coexisted with such vile creatures, yet their leaders hadn't tried to perhaps move them to this side. It would be difficult, Anson said, after all, because of history and how the people of Umbraeth sided with the dark forces, the people here wouldn't trust them, and vice versa
It was a lot, too many things seemed to be at play, and that just made her burden heavier
She decided to retreat to her quarters, but many questions than she had wished to have swarmed her, questions that made her wonder if she was starting to care enough about this world to want to stay. Yes, she felt sorry for their state, especially for the people on the other side who had to live with the burden of blame for the mistakes of the past by people already gone, but was it enough to want to stay
Minutes turned into hours, and the silence of the room suffocated her. She had to distract herself, so she decided to explore
She had been looking at a particular painting in one of the halls when she caught someone spying from her peripheral. Ismene
Lyla pretended to focus on the painting before she scrunched her face in disapproval
"What even is that? Is it a bird or a lion? seems like both, but…it's hideous. Maybe I should take it down."
She lifted her hands to grab it
"Don't, she…she'll get angry if you do." It was no question who she spoke of
Lyla smirked, "All the more reason I should."
"Please don't," Ismene rushed towards her, stopping her hands
It was only when Lyla faced her with a mischievous smile that Ismene understood it was a trap to lure her
"You tricked me."
"I did."
"Why?"
"Just wanted to get a closer look. You're really pretty."
Red stained her cheeks. Getting a compliment from someone as gorgeous as Lyla made her even shyer
"I also wanted to say thank you, Anson told me you were the one leaving me the food and clothes. Thanks"
Ismene tilted her head in question, "Anson?"
"The one I was sitting outside with earlier"
"You mean Aeneas?"
Aeneas, wait…realization hit her like raging waves. He had lied. He kept apologizing but still lied. He wanted her to trust him, but still lied about something as simple as his name. She couldn't trust him, couldn't trust any of them.
She had to leave
Saying one last thank you, she retreated to her room and started planning her escape
Lyla waited in the room for the sun to set so that she could work in the cover of darkness, but night never came, and her patience ran thin, so she opted to proceed. First, she listened for any noise from the hallway
When she was sure of none, she popped her head from the door, surveying both directions before squeezing out. Picking the left side since she was yet to venture that way, she moved. It would be better to familiarize herself first
On and on she went, passing several rooms while she tried opening them to see what lay on the other side, none proved too important yet. Lyla noticed the fact that she had yet to come across anyone; admittedly, the house was huge, but still
She didn't mind; perhaps the stars were finally aligning for her.
She spoke too soon
A pulsing vibration radiated through her, making her skin tingle and her arm hairs raise. Power, such raw and threatening power that thrummed like a living heartbeat
A few feet ahead in the courtyard, she saw it. The wall, calling and beckoning to her