Aurora took a deep breath, inhaling the refreshing morning air. Her eyes gleamed as she searched for Xander among the passing servants and soldiers. Where was he? Since arriving at the Dryad Kingdom the previous night, Aurora and Xander had been warmly welcomed by the royal advisors—King Niar himself was away on a visit. They were offered lodgings immediately. Xander explained that Aurora, a lost Dryad-powered stranger, needed safe shelter but omitted her human origins. Their rooms were separated: Xander's to the north near the honored guests, and Aurora's to the east, alongside Lady-in-Waiting Mira, who was assigned to care for Aurora. Thanks to Xander's status as Grand Commander of Avenleigh, the negotiations had been seamless. Aurora felt immensely fortunate to have met Xander before encountering those vampires.
Aurora had thought things through carefully. If Xander refused to guide her to Avenleigh, she would go alone. But first, she needed to locate the portal within the Dryad Kingdom. If she could find a clue here, it would greatly aid her journey.
She walked toward a small wooden bridge arching over a koi pond below, where fish jostled for food. Dressed in a fresh white gown and matching shoes, her hair was tied back with a few strands adorned with floral accessories. Her natural beauty was enhanced by subtle makeup, attracting many admiring glances. She smiled politely at passing servants.
"They're so clever," Aurora thought. Nearly everything the Dryads did harnessed their powers. A group of servants nearby transformed into swirling leaves that surrounded a towering tree, which instantly blossomed with symmetrically trimmed pink flowers. Aurora noted how immortal beings and humans mirrored one another—Dryad infrastructure rivaled that of Evandor's.
---
Elsewhere, Xander restrained himself, knowing he would soon leave Aurora's side. King Niar of the Dryads arrived that morning. After negotiating with him, Aurora was permitted to stay in the kingdom. Although sovereign, the Norelia dimension remained under the authority of Avenleigh—the angelic realm—and Xander's responsibility to maintain order.
"All right, then I must depart. As for the bandits to the west, I will dispatch my forces to handle them. Thank you for your hospitality," Xander said, rising and shaking hands with King Niar.
King Niar nodded and returned the handshake. "You're welcome, Commander Xander. It is my honor. Please visit Dryad often."
"Certainly, Your Majesty," Xander replied with a warm smile. "But first, I must see Aurora."
King Niar smiled back and nodded. Xander exited the palace and scanned the garden for Aurora. He brushed back his black hair. He had been eager to see her again since their arrival. After asking several servants, he learned Aurora was on the bridge. Following their directions, he found her feeding koi. His heart quickened—she looked enchanting, like a princess.
"Not even the angels' beauty compares to yours, Aurora," Xander murmured softly.
"You're right, Commander. Dryad women are famous for their beauty."
Startled, Xander turned to see another Dryad commander beside Aurora, gazing at her with admiration.
Xander clenched his fist; the two commanders glared at each other.
Xander smirked. "I assure you—you won't win her affections."
"We'll see about that, Xander," the commander challenged, dropping the title.
Xander brushed past him and called Aurora's name. But she didn't respond—her mind was on finding the portal to the upper dimension, and then on Chessy, recalling events before attending the prince's welcome.
***
Meanwhile, Chessy had given Aurora a plate of berries. Aurora nibbled absentmindedly while reading an ancient book Chessy had brought. She lay on her bed with legs dangling against the wall, wearing knee-length pants that revealed her smooth calves. She had shared everything about her morning with Chessy, who had listened seriously. Chessy then suggested Aurora consult the book in her father's private library. Indeed, Aurora was now at Chessy's home.
Chessy explained that she had long been curious about the immortal world. Her father never allowed her into the library—until one day, she found it ajar and snuck in. The room held dozens of shelves filled with ancient tomes. Chessy's eyes were drawn to a thick book on the table with curious archaic carvings, too intriguing to pass by.
She read it carefully. It contained hundreds of old incantations and strange symbols. Curious, she tested one aloud while pointing to a small book on the desk:
> "Motus obiectum, voluntas mea manifestum!"
Suddenly, the small book floated and slammed into a shelf. Other books toppled. Chessy, shocked to have performed magic, quickly tidied up and took the book to her room. Over time, she studied its contents diligently.
"Do you know anything about the necklace or the pouch's contents?" Aurora asked after hearing Chessy's story.
"Yes. The symbols on the pouch's paper match those in my father's book. I saw a map of the immortals' world. They're hidden everywhere among us, living alongside humans. But they reside in their own dimension. I believe if we can access their portal, we'll understand the artifacts from your bread basket!"
Aurora nodded, impressed. "You're right, Chessy. People around us always gossip about immortals. If we can find the portal, the truth will come to light. Then…"
"You'll meet your soulmate!" Chessy teased with a grin.
Aurora shook her head. "You know I'm not into romance, Chessy. I feel like I've told you that a thousand times—especially not with an immortal."
Chessy stepped closer. "Fine. I won't push it. Just don't make a scene."
Aurora shifted to sit up and handed the book back. Her head ached from overthinking. As Chessy sat beside her, Aurora suddenly realized something.
"Wait… you said you performed magic, Chessy? How? Do you have special powers too?" Aurora asked, intrigued.
Chessy shook her head uncertainly. "I don't know, Aurora. Didn't you do it? You read the incantation and—boom!—magic worked!"
Aurora nodded, then cleared her throat. "So show me again, Chessy. I want to see."
"What kind of magic do you want?" Chessy flipped through the book. She already knew several spells.
"Anything. Maybe light a lamp or start a small flame?"
"Good idea. Or maybe create a little protective barrier around my room? You know, I was afraid those immortals would wander in during the prince's welcome." Chessy laughed.
Aurora laughed too. "Up to you, Chessy. I'm ready to use your mother's Teflon pan to fend them off."
Chessy glared playfully. "Hey, don't mention my mom's Teflon! She'll kill me if anything happens to it." Aurora giggled.
"All right. Don't distract me," Chessy said, composing herself. "Okay… here goes."
She closed her eyes and took a slow breath.
Her hand rose, drawing a small circle in the air. Soft words flowed from her lips:
> "Lux Custodia!"
Golden light particles appeared from the air, gently enveloping the room like a warm, glowing blanket.
Aurora stared in awe, feeling a serene calm wash over her. She looked at Chessy in disbelief.
"Now, no one can hear us—from any dimension," Chessy whispered.
"Wow!" Aurora exclaimed, astonished by the barrier spell.
"What do you think? Ready to be a top-tier witch?"
"Wow, Chessy! That was amazing magic. And yes, I believe you could use it to break into an immortal dimension."
Chessy frowned. "Stop talking about that dimension, Aurora. I definitely can't do that."
Aurora chuckled softly. "Fine, fine. Maybe you can make a spell to help you stop crushing on Prince Edward. I worry your heart might break into pieces."
"No way, Aurora. Until I find a needle in a haystack, I'll love Prince Edward," Chessy replied with a mischievous smile. Aurora shivered at her friend's persistence.
"I think the prince's welcome ceremony will begin soon, Chessy," Aurora reminded her.
Chessy straightened up and touched up her makeup. "Let's go, Aurora."