The first thing Ember felt was cold. Cold against her cheek, cold pressing into her back, and a faint ache in her shoulder from sleeping awkwardly on the stone floor. She blinked her eyes open slowly, the faint glow of early morning creeping in through the small, grilled window high above. For a moment, she forgot where she was — the soft sound of running water from the bathroom, the smell of damp earth, the quiet breathing beside her.
And then it came back.
The climb.
The toads.
The cell.
The old toad's kind but sharp eyes.
And now, this room that felt too much like home and yet too strange to trust.
Ember pushed herself up with a small groan, rolling her neck as she sat up on the floor beside the low bed. Her gaze drifted to Elena, who was still fast asleep, tangled in the blanket like a small child. Her hair was messy, half falling over her face, one arm thrown lazily over the edge of the bed.
For a second, Ember just sat there, watching her. The peacefulness of Elena’s face, something so rare when she was always arguing, always full of words — it made Ember smile, just for a breath.
Then she leaned forward and poked Elena’s shoulder.
"Hey," she whispered, voice rough from sleep. "Wake up."
Elena mumbled something unintelligible and buried her face deeper into the pillow.
Ember sighed and poked her again, this time a little harder.
"Come on, lazy. If you keep sleeping, the toads might think we’ve died."
That earned a low grumble, and Elena finally cracked one eye open. "I just closed my eyes…"
"You’ve been asleep for hours." Ember stood up, brushing her clothes off. "And I'm not about to start this day without you."
Elena yawned dramatically, stretching out like a cat. "Fine, fine."
For a while, neither of them spoke. Elena rubbed her eyes, and Ember stood quietly by the door, her fingers tapping her wrist where her sigil stone lay tucked under the band. It was oddly silent, save for the faint sound of something bustling outside.
Then, the silence broke in the most unexpected way.
Grrrrrgle.
Elena’s eyes widened a little as her stomach growled loudly. Ember blinked once, then looked at her, trying hard not to smile.
"Was that you or a Thalavas creeping up on us?" Ember asked, raising an eyebrow.
Elena groaned and threw a pillow at her. "Shut up."
Ember caught the pillow easily, a grin creeping onto her face. "You’re hungry."
"I hadn’t noticed," Elena said dryly, but her voice softened. "We haven’t eaten since yesterday… or was it the day before?"
Ember’s smile faded slightly at that, realizing just how long it had been since they last sat down to eat something properly. She glanced around the room again. There were no fruits, no bread, no supplies, nothing at all.
She ran her fingers through her messy hair and muttered, "Guess we should see what these toads eat."
Elena sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "Do you think they even have food for us?"
"Well," Ember said, shrugging, "if they can build beds and give us a bathroom, I’m guessing they’ve figured out breakfast too."
Elena stood up, stretching again, and walked over to her. "Let’s go, then."
They stepped outside the small room, the door clicking shut behind them. The hallway was empty, quiet, but the moment they reached the end and stepped into the streets, everything shifted.
The city of Redogs was wide awake.
The air smelled faintly sweet, a scent that was hard to place — something like wet leaves and warm stone. The sky above was streaked in soft blues and faint greens, the clouds moving far too slowly like they were being pushed by invisible hands.
And the toads were everywhere.
Some carried baskets filled with round, soft-looking fruits. Others swept the ground with thin brooms, chatting in low croaks to one another. Children — or what seemed like young toads — hopped around in circles, laughing and chasing each other. Their skin wasn’t slimy like the soldiers from before. These ones were matte, smooth, with robes and belts and even small trinkets hanging from their waists.
Elena stood still for a moment, her eyes wide as she took it all in.
"This… doesn’t feel real," she said quietly.
Ember glanced at her. "You’re smiling."
Elena blinked, then looked away, trying to hide it. "I’m not."
"You are."
They walked quietly through the streets, weaving between the toad-folk. Occasionally, a toad would wave at them, some even nodding in acknowledgment. Elena waved back shyly, and Ember watched her carefully, still unsure of how comfortable she should allow herself to be.
Finally, after turning a corner, they stumbled upon a small market square. The scent of something sweet and warm hit them instantly.
Rows of small wooden carts stood lined up, each one offering food — strange looking buns, thick green soup bubbling in pots, fruit that shimmered faintly like the Eldaries Elena once talked about.
Elena’s stomach growled again.
Ember snorted. "Well, go on."
Elena hesitated. "We don’t even know if we’re supposed to—"
Before she could finish, one of the vendors, a plump, short toad wearing a tiny cap, called out to them.
"Travelers!" he croaked, waving a hand. "First meal’s on us. Elders’ orders!"
Elena blinked, surprised. "Did he say…?"
"Yes," Ember said, already tugging her forward. "Come on. Before you faint."
They sat on low stools as the toad brought them bowls of something warm and soft, with a slightly sweet smell. Elena took a hesitant bite and immediately closed her eyes.
"This is…" she mumbled, swallowing. "This is good."
Ember grinned, taking her own bite. "See? I told you this place isn’t all bad."
They ate quietly for a while, the sounds of the city buzzing around them — soft croaks, laughter, footsteps, and the faint hum of something deeper, something alive beneath the ground.
When they finished, Elena wiped her mouth and looked up at the sky, her face calm for the first time in days.
"I think," she said quietly, "I like it here."
Ember looked at her, then at the city, then back at Elena.
"Let’s see how long that lasts."
With their hunger satisfied and the warmth of the meal still in their bellies, Elena and Ember stood in the bustling square of Redogs, watching as life unfolded before them. The city was alive in ways neither of them had expected, a strange mix of the familiar and the unknown.
The toads walked like humans, spoke like humans, traded, built homes, and lived their lives just as Iorphians did—but there was something deeply different, something hidden beneath their robes and careful manners.
Elena exhaled slowly, still taking in the sights. "It’s… amazing."
Ember tilted her head, arms crossed. "It’s weird."
Elena laughed, nudging her playfully. "You always say that when you like something but don’t want to admit it."
Ember scoffed but didn’t deny it.
They wandered further into the city, letting their curiosity guide them. The streets were paved with smooth stones, lined with market stalls and small homes with circular windows. Some had tiny gardens filled with flowers that glowed faintly under the shifting light. Others had intricate carvings along their walls, depicting scenes of toads standing before what looked like large, two-legged figures.
At one point, they reached a narrow bridge that stretched over a canal. Below, dark water reflected the sky in strange colors—sometimes blue, sometimes green, and sometimes a deep purple that shimmered like oil. Small boats floated along it, steered by toads using long poles.
Elena leaned over the railing, staring into the water. "Is this just normal water?"
Ember peered down, frowning slightly. "Looks thicker than the rivers back home."
A toad passing by overheard them and chuckled. "The canals of Redogs carry more than just water, travelers. They carry stories."
Elena turned to him, intrigued. "Stories?"
The toad nodded, his webbed fingers resting on the railing. "It is said that our ancestors poured their knowledge into the water, and now, it whispers to those who listen closely."
Ember rolled her eyes. "Right. So, if I jump in, will I learn some great secret?"
The toad laughed. "You might learn that the water is colder than it looks."
Elena giggled, and Ember smirked before nudging her forward. "Come on, let’s keep going before you start asking them to recite every legend they have."
They passed through more streets, discovering a section of the city filled with workshops. Blacksmith toads hammered away at metal, crafting tools and weapons. A group of artisans sat under a large canopy, weaving fabrics dyed in deep greens and blues. There was even a toad carefully carving wooden flutes, his long fingers working with precision.
Ember picked one up, turning it over in her hands. "I didn’t think toads would be into music."
The flute-maker grinned. "Even warriors need songs, don’t they?"
Elena nudged Ember. "You should try playing it."
Ember snorted. "I think I’ll pass."
As the day stretched on, they continued to explore, passing through gardens filled with towering mushrooms, some large enough to cast shadows over entire streets. They saw massive lanterns hanging from thick vines, glowing softly as if holding fireflies inside.
At one point, Elena got distracted by a group of toad children playing a game where they hopped over stones in a specific pattern. She crouched down, watching with fascination as they skillfully leaped from one to another.
One of the younger ones, noticing her curiosity, grinned and tugged on her sleeve. "Wanna try?"
Elena blinked in surprise before looking up at Ember. "Should I?"
Ember sighed dramatically. "Might as well. You already look like you belong here."
Elena stuck her tongue out at her before standing and trying to mimic the toads’ movements. She stepped onto the first stone, then the second, but by the third jump, she completely lost balance and nearly fell flat on her face.
The children burst into laughter, and even Ember chuckled.
"Not as easy as it looks, huh?" Ember teased, arms crossed.
Elena huffed, brushing herself off. "I was going easy on them."
Ember shook her head, amused, before offering a hand to pull her back up.
The sky was shifting. Soft blues melted into deeper hues, and the golden glow of the sun slowly faded, giving way to the first flickers of night. Above, the sky teemed with creatures—winged silhouettes soaring through the air, some gliding effortlessly while others flapped wildly, their cries echoing across the city of Redogs.
Ember and Elena sat atop a small stone outcrop near their home, their legs dangling over the edge as they watched the creatures swirl above. The city lights below flickered, creating a soft warmth against the cool night.
"Look," Ember murmured, tilting her head upward. "Here they come."
Elena followed her gaze, watching as more of the flying creatures emerged, their massive wings catching the wind. Some had sleek bodies with feathered tails, while others had thin, translucent wings that shimmered like glass. A few dived low, barely skimming the rooftops, before soaring back up.
"They're incredible," Elena whispered.
Ember nodded, resting her arms against her knees. "I’ve never seen so many in one place before. Almost like they belong here."
Elena hummed in agreement, letting the silence settle between them for a moment. Then, quietly, she asked, "What do you think the future holds for us?"
Ember exhaled sharply, glancing at her. "That's a big question."
Elena smiled slightly. "Well, we’re here, aren’t we? We've made it this far. Don't you think it's worth wondering about?"
Ember leaned back on her hands, staring at the sky. "I don't know. I want to say we'll find a safe place, a real home. But…" She hesitated. "I also feel like things won’t be that easy. Maybe the surface isn’t as kind as we thought."
Elena bit her lip. "I don’t want to believe that."
"You’re still hoping for a perfect world, aren’t you?" Ember asked, a small smirk tugging at her lips.
Elena sighed. "Not perfect. Just… better."
She pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them. "Back home, I always thought about the surface like it was a dream. A place where we could be free, where we didn’t have to keep rebuilding and hiding." She paused. "But now that we’re here, I’m starting to wonder…"
"Wonder what?"
Elena hesitated, then turned to Ember. "What happened to the Iorphians who came before us?"
Ember frowned. "You think there were others?"
Elena pulled something from her satchel—a small, worn-out book. "This." She held it up, her fingers brushing over the cover. "Do you remember this?"
Ember’s eyes narrowed before realization struck. "That’s the book I gave you… from the archives."
Elena nodded. "I read it over and over again when I had trouble sleeping. There was a story in here—about the toads. About how the Iorphians taught them everything they know."
Ember shifted, turning her body toward Elena. "Go on."
Elena flipped through the pages, stopping at one she had nearly memorized. "It says here that long ago, the Iorphians guided the toads, teaching them how to build, farm, and trade. They helped them create cities, just like this one." She glanced around Redogs. "Maybe even this exact one."
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Ember frowned. "And?"
Elena’s voice softened. "And then… the story just stops."
Ember blinked. "Stops?"
Elena nodded. "It doesn't say what happened after that. Just that the Iorphians 'moved on' and the toads remained. But if we were really here, if we really helped build all of this…" She looked into Ember’s eyes. "Why don’t we remember? Why don’t the Iorphians in Iorph talk about it?"
A cold breeze swept through the air, making Ember shiver slightly.
"So you think something happened to them?" Ember asked.
Elena closed the book gently. "I don’t know. But the Elder knew who we were the moment he saw us. He gave us shelter, food, and a map. It’s almost like he was waiting for us."
Ember exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "That’s… unsettling."
Elena chuckled softly. "A little."
They fell silent again, the weight of their conversation settling between them. The sky above was now fully dark, the creatures still circling, their shapes blending into the night.
Elena sighed, hugging the book to her chest. "I want to believe we’ll find a safe place. That we’ll find the answers. But… I guess I’m scared."
Ember turned her head, watching her closely. "Scared of what?"
Elena hesitated, then finally admitted, "Scared that we’re just repeating history. That we’ll build something… only for it to be destroyed again."
Ember swallowed. "That won’t happen."
Elena looked at her, searching her face. "How can you be so sure?"
Ember’s fingers instinctively brushed against the small stone hanging from her neck—the faintly glowing one with her tribe’s name, Orion, engraved on it.
"Because this time, we’re the ones writing the story," she said firmly. "And I refuse to let it end the same way."
Elena stared at her for a long moment before a small smile tugged at her lips.
"Then… I guess we’ll just have to make sure we get a happy ending, huh?"
Ember smirked. "We’ll see about that."
The dim glow of a single lantern flickered against the stone walls of their room. The air was still, carrying only the distant croaks of the city outside. Elena sat cross-legged on the bed, absentmindedly flipping through the book Ember had given her. The pages felt worn beneath her fingers, their words whispering stories of old.
Ember, sprawled out on the floor with her arms behind her head, stared at the ceiling. Her eyes traced the faint patterns in the stone, her mind filled with thoughts she hadn’t quite put into words yet.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Then, Ember let out a long sigh, tilting her head to glance at Elena.
"So, princess." She reached out, holding the book toward her. "You made me come to the surface. Now, what’s next?"
Elena, still lost in thought, didn’t immediately respond.
Ember raised an eyebrow. "No plan? No speech?"
Silence.
Elena closed the book slowly, resting it on her lap. The soft lantern light caught the grey in her eyes as she finally looked at Ember, but she said nothing.
Ember exhaled, shaking her head. "Well, whatever you decide," she said, stretching her arms behind her head, "I’ll follow it."
That made Elena blink.
"Because," Ember continued, "let’s be honest. You wouldn’t last a day without me."
Elena’s lips parted in offense. "Excuse me?"
Ember smirked, propping herself up on one elbow. "You heard me."
Elena scoffed. "I absolutely can survive without you."
"Oh really?" Ember feigned curiosity. "Then remind me—who was the one who nearly fell asleep in a prison cell?"
Elena crossed her arms. "That was different."
"And who," Ember added, counting on her fingers, "got so distracted by the toads that she almost walked straight into a pond?"
Elena huffed. "The bridge was weird!"
"And," Ember smirked, "who didn’t even realize she hadn’t eaten all day until her stomach decided to make it everyone’s problem?"
Elena gasped. "You—!"
Ember grinned, watching her puff up in protest.
"I can survive without you," Elena muttered stubbornly. "I just… choose not to."
"Uh-huh," Ember drawled, shifting onto her side. "And how exactly would you survive, princess?"
Elena lifted her chin. "I’d hunt."
Ember burst out laughing. "You can’t even hold a spear."
"I don’t need a spear. I have my hands!"
"Right. And are you planning to punch your food to death?"
Elena groaned. "I hate you."
Ember chuckled, shaking her head. "No, you don’t."
Elena turned away with a huff, her arms still crossed, but the corners of her lips twitched.
Silence settled between them again, but this time, it was comfortable—woven with quiet laughter and something unspoken. The lantern light flickered, casting their shadows along the walls.
Then, without warning, Ember flicked Elena’s forehead.
"Ow!" Elena yelped, pulling back and rubbing the spot. "What was that for?"
Ember smirked. "Because it’s your turn to sleep on the floor tonight."
Elena’s jaw dropped. "No way."
"Yes way."
"You volunteered to sleep on the floor yesterday!"
"And now I’m un-volunteering." Ember stretched with an exaggerated yawn. "I had a long day. I need my beauty sleep."
Elena grabbed the nearest pillow and launched it at her.
Ember caught it mid-air, grinning. "Oh, come on, princess. You wouldn’t last a—"
Another pillow hit her square in the face.
Elena smirked triumphantly. "Oops."
Ember stared at her for a second, then launched the pillow right back.
The next few minutes were filled with muffled laughter, thrown pillows, and the kind of warmth that didn’t come from blankets.
Eventually, exhaustion caught up to them, and they settled in—Elena on the bed, Ember on the floor. The lantern flickered once more before dimming into darkness, leaving only the quiet, steady rhythm of their breathing.
And for the first time in a long time, they slept without worry.
Morning arrived gently, with soft golden light spilling through the cracks in the stone walls. The city of Redogs was already stirring—distant voices, croaking chatter, and the occasional splash of water filled the air. The scent of damp earth and something vaguely sweet drifted in through the small window.
Inside their room, Ember was still fast asleep on the floor, tangled in the thin blanket she had managed to claim as hers. A few strands of her red hair stuck out in wild directions, and her arm was half-draped over her face. The world could have been ending, and she wouldn’t have noticed.
But Elena was very much awake.
She sat on the bed, staring at the ceiling with her lips pressed together, her mind racing with everything that had unraveled yesterday. The old Iorphs. The city. The story the elder had told them.
She knew what she had to do.
And Ember needed to wake up.
With zero hesitation, Elena grabbed the pillow beside her, leaned over the edge of the bed, and—
WHAM.
The pillow smacked directly into Ember’s face.
A muffled groan came from beneath the covers. There was a slight shift, a sluggish attempt at movement, before Ember flopped right back into place.
Elena huffed. Oh, no you don’t.
She leaned over again, this time grabbing Ember’s shoulder and shaking her—roughly. "Wake up. Ember, wake up!"
Another groggy groan. "Mmmph. Five more minutes."
"No!" Elena shook her again, harder this time. "I finally decided what to do!"
Ember cracked one eye open, squinting up at her with all the intelligence of a half-conscious lizard. "…You finally decided?"
"Yes!" Elena pulled back, sitting up straight. "I know where we have to go."
Ember made a vague noise that sounded like that's great, now let me sleep, and buried her face deeper into the blanket.
But Elena was having none of it. "I'm serious!" She scooted to the edge of the bed, practically leaning over her now. "We have to find where the old Iorphs lived. Before Redogs, before all of this—there was a place. A real home. And if we go there, maybe we can figure out what we really are. Maybe we'll find something important, a clue, a sign—anything.”
Ember groaned, rubbing her face with one hand. "Elena, it is too early for deep thinking."
Elena ignored her. "It makes sense, doesn't it? If we don't even know what it means to be Iorphians anymore, then we have to go back. We have to—"
"—You are cute when you talk weird things," Ember mumbled sleepily.
Silence.
A very thick, very loud silence.
Elena's entire body locked up. Her eyes went wide, her breath caught in her throat.
Ember, still not fully awake, lazily turned her head, blinking at her as if nothing had happened. As if she hadn’t just casually said that.
Elena felt the heat rising in her face.
Her mind blanked for a second. Then, without thinking, she grabbed the pillow again and chucked it straight at Ember’s head.
WHAP.
"Shut up!" Elena blurted, her voice a mix of flustered embarrassment and indignation.
Ember, now actually awake, blinked in confusion. "…What?"
"You—you just—" Elena buried her face in her hands for a second, before groaning dramatically and rolling onto her bed, pulling the blanket over her head.
Ember sat up slowly, still looking around the room like she was trying to piece together a dream. Her red hair was a complete mess, her eyes half-lidded with drowsiness. "Wait—what just happened?"
"You happened!" Elena's muffled voice came from under the blanket.
Ember blinked again. Then, realization very slowly crept onto her face.
She tilted her head. "Wait… did I say something weird?"
Elena violently tossed another pillow in her direction. "Forget it!"
Ember caught the pillow this time, staring at it, then at Elena—who was now aggressively not looking at her.
A smirk tugged at Ember's lips. "Ohhh. I see."
"You see nothing!"
"You're blushing," Ember pointed out, stretching lazily. "Like, a lot."
"I am not!"
Ember grinned, tossing the pillow aside and getting up. She leaned against the bed, chin propped up on her hands as she looked at Elena, who was still determinedly avoiding eye contact. "You so are."
"I'm going back to sleep," Elena declared, burying her face into the mattress.
"After waking me up so violently?" Ember scoffed. "No way. You literally threw me out of sleep."
"Maybe you deserved it," Elena muttered.
Ember chuckled, shaking her head. "Right. So, princess, about this very serious plan of yours—"
Elena peeked out from under the blanket, her grey eyes narrowing. "Don't call me that."
Ember smirked. "Noted. Now, back to your great, life-changing revelation—"
Elena huffed, sitting up properly this time. Her face was still slightly pink, but she crossed her arms in an attempt to be serious again. "Are you going to listen, or keep making fun of me?"
Ember held up both hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'm listening."
Elena took a deep breath, regaining her composure. "We need to find the place where the old Iorphs lived. Before Golust, before Redogs, before everything. If we go there… we might find out what happened to our people. We might find answers."
Ember tilted her head. "And how exactly do we find this place?"
Elena hesitated. "I… don’t know yet. But we have to start somewhere."
Ember stood up, brushing dust off her clothes. “We talk to the Elder.”
Elena blinked. “The Elder?”
“He’s lived here longer than anyone,” Ember reasoned. “If anyone knows anything about the old Iorphs, or the dangers of this place, it’s him. We should at least see what we’re getting ourselves into before running off.”
Elena exhaled through her nose, nodding. “…Alright. Let’s go.”
The Elder’s chamber was dimly lit, the walls lined with ancient-looking carvings. He sat by the large pond at the center, watching them with tired, knowing eyes as they entered. His white beard flowed slightly as he adjusted himself, signaling the guards to step back.
“You have returned,” the Elder said, his voice slow and wise. “What troubles your minds, travelers?”
Elena stepped forward. “Elder… we want to find the place where the old Iorphs lived. Before Redogs, before Golust… before everything. We need to know where we truly belong.”
A silence settled in the room. The Elder let out a long, measured breath, eyes studying them carefully. Then, he spoke.
“The path you seek is treacherous.”
Elena frowned. “We’re aware of the risks—”
“No,” the Elder interrupted gently. “You are not.”
Ember and Elena exchanged a glance.
The Elder gestured towards one of the carved walls, where dim torchlight illuminated a mural of towering, monstrous shapes.
“There are things in Golust. Creatures beyond what you have seen here in Redogs. They lurk in the forests, the rivers, the mountains. Some will hide beneath the soil, waiting to strike. Some will watch you from the darkness, their eyes never blinking.” His voice grew heavier, slower. “And some will not hesitate to hunt you.”
Elena swallowed.
“There are storms that strip the land bare. Poisonous mists that turn the air unbreathable. Lands that shift and swallow travelers whole. Even if you reach the ruins of your ancestors…” His gaze locked onto theirs. “The place you seek is not abandoned. It is filled with traps.”
Ember crossed her arms, tilting her head. “Traps?”
The Elder nodded. “The Iorphs of old were not merely survivors; they were creators. Engineers, thinkers, minds sharper than any blade. Their homes were crafted with intelligence far beyond what you may expect. And they did not build them for outsiders.”
Elena inhaled slowly. “So… even if we find it, it won’t welcome us.”
“That depends,” the Elder said, stroking his beard. “Do you have the wisdom to recognize the tests they have left behind? Or will you fall like the many who have come before you?”
A silence stretched.
Elena clenched her fists. “Even if it’s dangerous, we have to try. It’s our past.”
The Elder studied her for a long time before nodding slowly. “I suspected you would say that.” He motioned toward the guards. “Then allow me to prepare you for the journey.”
The guards left the room and returned moments later, carrying two carefully wrapped cloth bundles. They placed them before Ember and Elena before stepping back.
The Elder gestured to them. “These belonged to Iorphs of the past. You will need them.”
Ember untied her bundle first, unfolding the cloth to reveal a long, intricately designed spear. The shaft was sturdy, the metal tip sharp and gleaming, etched with patterns unfamiliar yet oddly familiar. She lifted it, testing its weight. It felt balanced—natural, even.
Elena carefully unwrapped hers. Inside was a small dagger, light and beautifully carved. The handle fit perfectly in her grip, as if it had been made for her. The blade, though small, was sharp enough to slice through thick fabric with ease.
“These are your weapons,” the Elder said. “They are not mere tools. They are part of your history.”
Elena traced the patterns on the dagger’s handle. “…Who did they belong to?”
The Elder’s expression grew distant. “Iorphs who walked the surface before you. Those who sought the same answers you now seek.”
A chill ran down Elena’s spine.
She exchanged a glance with Ember, who was gripping her spear tightly, brows furrowed.
The Elder exhaled. “Take these weapons, and take caution. The path ahead is not kind. But if you are truly of Iorph, then perhaps you will find what you seek.”
He closed his eyes for a moment, then looked at them once more.
“…Good luck.”
The moment they stepped out of the Elder’s chamber, a chill clung to their skin. The weight of his words lingered in their minds—monsters, traps, dangers lurking in Golust. Ember adjusted the spear slung across her back while Elena held the dagger tighter in her grip.
Neither of them spoke as they walked through the quiet streets of Redogs, the city of the slimy toads. The air was thick with a strange energy, but the toads themselves seemed unbothered. They continued their daily routines, some carrying baskets of fruits, others tending to glowing lanterns that illuminated the pathways. A few children peeked out from behind stone pillars, giggling as they watched the two outsiders pass by.
Despite the eerie feeling from the Elder’s warning, the toads were nothing but helpful. They gathered supplies for them—food wrapped in strange leaf bundles, water stored in smooth, curved shells, and even makeshift traveling cloaks to help against the unpredictable weather of Golust.
Ember, ever the practical one, went through the inventory carefully, making sure everything was accounted for. Elena, on the other hand, found herself drawn toward the pond at the heart of Redogs—the one the Elder sat near, the one with carvings that spoke of ancient legends.
She walked toward it, slowly, her gaze locked onto the water’s surface. It was clear, too clear, reflecting the sky above like polished glass. But something shifted beneath.
A figure.
Elena’s breath hitched.
It was a ghostly shape, barely visible, flickering in and out of existence. It had a human-like form but seemed to shift between two states—one moment, it looked strong, healthy, standing tall with pride. The next, its figure shrank, trembling, eyes wide with terror as if witnessing something horrific.
Elena’s feet moved on their own, carrying her closer to the pond’s edge. She could hear her heartbeat in her ears, her breath shallow.
“Who…?” she whispered, reaching a hand toward the water.
The figure waved.
Her body tensed, her fingers brushing the pond’s surface—
A hand gripped her shoulder.
She gasped, a sharp scream escaping her lips as she spun around.
It was Ember.
Elena’s chest heaved, eyes wide in fear. Ember frowned, tilting her head. “What’s wrong?”
Elena hesitated, her heart still racing. The moment she looked back at the pond, the figure was gone. The water was still, undisturbed, as if nothing had been there at all.
“I… I thought I saw something,” Elena admitted, voice quieter now.
Ember’s gaze flickered toward the pond, then back at Elena. “Something like what?”
Elena swallowed. “I… don’t know.”
Silence stretched between them. The wind rustled the leaves nearby, and the distant chatter of the toads filled the empty space.
“Let’s go,” Elena finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ember didn’t move. She was watching Elena carefully now, eyes narrowed.
“…No,” Ember said suddenly.
Elena blinked. “What?”
“We’re leaving tomorrow,” Ember said firmly. “You need to rest.”
Elena’s shoulders stiffened. “…Why?”
Ember crossed her arms. “Because you’re acting weird.”
Elena felt her stomach twist. What if I see it again?
“Are you scared?” Ember asked, her voice softer now.
Elena tensed. “I’m fine.”
Ember didn’t believe her. It was clear in the way she looked at her. But she didn’t push it any further.
“Come on,” Ember said instead. “Let’s go back.”
Elena hesitated for a moment before nodding.
Back in their room, the atmosphere felt different.
Elena was unusually quiet, barely speaking as she sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. Ember, who normally would have teased her about brooding too much, simply watched.
“You’re too tense,” Ember finally said, stretching as she sat on the floor, her spear resting beside her. “You’re going to hurt yourself thinking so much.”
Elena sighed, her fingers gripping the edge of the blanket. “I just… I don’t know what I saw.”
Ember tilted her head. “You don’t have to know right away.”
Elena frowned. “But what if it means something?”
Ember shrugged. “Then we figure it out later. You’re not going to solve anything by overthinking it right now.”
Elena exhaled, pressing her fingers to her temples.
A beat of silence.
“…Hey,” Ember spoke up again, voice lower this time. “You’re strong, you know that?”
Elena glanced at her.
“You’re strong,” Ember repeated. “And I’ll fight anything that gets in your way.” She grinned. “So don’t overthink. Just trust me.”
Elena stared at her for a long moment.
Then, without thinking, the words left her lips—
“Sleep on the bed with me.”
Ember blinked.
Elena immediately regretted it. Her face turned red as she quickly tried to explain, “I—I mean, just for tonight. Just—just because I don’t want to be alone. That’s all.”
Ember raised an eyebrow. “So you are scared.”
Elena scowled, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at her. “Shut up.”
As they lay in the quiet of their room, the air between them felt different. The dim glow of the lantern flickered against the stone walls, casting long shadows. Outside, the city of Redogs had settled, the croaking of toads fading into the distance.
Elena turned on her side, facing Ember, who lay beside her, eyes staring at the ceiling. Their arms were close—too close—but neither of them moved.
“…You’re warm,” Elena murmured suddenly.
Ember blinked, glancing at her. Then she smirked. “It’s because of Orion blood. We run hotter.”
Elena’s brows furrowed. “Orion blood?”
Ember nodded. “Orion tribe members have strong bodies. We get sick less, and we heal fast. Our bodies naturally stay warm, even in the cold.” She let out a small chuckle. “I bet if we stayed in a snowstorm, you’d be shivering while I’d just be mildly annoyed.”
Elena stared at her for a moment before something crossed her mind.
“…Then why didn’t I ever get a sigil?” she asked softly. “Everyone else got one. Even Ania…” Her voice faltered at the mention of her best friend. Ania, who had been so proud of her sigil before Thalavas took her away. She swallowed before continuing. “Almost every child had one. But I… I never got one.”
Ember was silent for a moment, staring at the ceiling again. Then she huffed, turning onto her side. “Does it matter?”
“Yes,” Elena insisted. “It’s part of who we are. The sigils mark our connection to the tribes. Our history.”
Ember scoffed. “History doesn’t mean much when it gets burned away.”
Elena frowned. “That’s not—”
“Because of you, we made it to the surface.” Ember cut her off, her voice steady but quieter now. “That’s all that matters. You led us here, and now we have a future to figure out.”
Elena was about to argue when Ember spoke again—absentmindedly, as if she wasn’t even aware of what she was saying.
“My mother didn’t have one either.”
The words hung in the air between them.
Elena sat up. “Wait—what?”
Ember’s eyes widened slightly, as if realizing she had said too much.
Elena narrowed her eyes. “Your mother didn’t have a sigil? Why?”
There was a long pause. Then—
Ember turned onto her side, pulling the blanket over her head.
Elena blinked. “…Are you pretending to be asleep?”
A soft snore came from under the blanket.
“Elena,” came Ember’s muffled voice. “I can’t hear you. I’m asleep.”
Elena scowled. “You just spoke—”
“Nope. That wasn’t me. It was… um… the wind.”
Elena grabbed her pillow and whacked her with it.
“Ow!” Ember yelped.
“That’s what you get for dodging my question,” Elena huffed, crossing her arms.
Ember grumbled something unintelligible, refusing to move from under the blanket.
Elena let out a small sigh, lying back down. She’s hiding something.
She glanced at Ember’s back, wondering. Why didn’t her mother have a sigil?
But for now, she let it go.