As they drew nearer, the royal palace of Aqualon appeared ever more magnificent and resplendent, the gleam of the ivory and gemstones inlaid across its walls so dazzling it almost made one squint.
Silvanus and the others followed the captain of the guard down to the ground. The floor beneath their feet was made of a translucent, gold-glowing stone. Looking ahead, the grand palace gates had already opened wide before them, awaiting their arrival.
On both sides of the path were several branching roads, and along them stood countless merfolk. They were beautifully adorned, their hair decorated with pearls, the skin beneath their eyes embellished with gemstones. Draped across their bodies were one or multiple strands of shimmer weave, a fabric only merfolk could craft. Its transparent, shimmering threads caught the movement and the light, scattering a rainbow glow with every shift, as if reflecting the colors of the sea itself.
