The boat glided across the shimmering waterways of Patino, the capital city nestled at the heart of the archipelago.
They'd arrived on the ship and were switched to boats to navigate through the city to their destination.
The boat moved through the waterways flowing like veins through the city, weaving under arching bridges and beside layered buildings.
Music and conversation drifted from nearby canals, mixing with the scent of salted air and grilled fishes from market stalls.
Children waved as the boat passed, while older folk murmured to each other, trying to puzzle out who the outsiders onboard the boat were.
Ren stood at the prow of the boat, his eyes sweeping over the city with an unreadable expression.
Behind him, Lilith sat quietly, hood drawn, her pale hands folded in her lap. Her gaze didn't rise to meet the grandeur of the city. It remained fixed on her lap, haunted.
