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I knew the cadence of that tone.

I rushed around Nithra and saw Cai standing there, staring wide-eyed at the dragon.

“Cai!” I shrieked, running toward her and wrapping her in my arms. A nervous sound left her lips as she reluctantly let herarms slide around me. “I have missed you,” I whispered into the raven hair that now fell past her shoulders.

I took a step away from her, finally freeing her of my embrace as she wrapped her arms around her middle. I looked at her in confusion, my eyes falling on the golden mask.

“Cai, I . . . I thought that they had removed your masks.”

Her eyes flickered from the grass up to me before she answered. “I requested that mine remain intact, so that I may never forget the land that I call home.”

The words were firm and resolute when she said them, but I could feel the nervous energy flowing from her as she spoke. A soft smile spread onto my lips at the sound of it. Her demeanor reminded me so much of myself, of the girl I used to be. I knew all too well the fear that sullied the mind when you finally decided to speak up for yourself, the anxiety that came with speaking your truth when you were conditioned to live in silence. Pride bloomed in my chest as she allowed herself to hold my gaze.

I nodded my head toward her as I reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Good for you, Cai. You should be proud of yourself.” A smile that I could not see reached her eyes as she looked at me. I didn’t have to speak it, but she understood what my words meant.

Cai cleared her throat, dipping into a small bow toward Landers as she said, “The counsel is ready for you now.”

My heart caught in my throat as the words left her mouth and I glanced toward Landers and Andrues. Both of their faces were now void of the joy we had felt only moments ago, the hard lines of their features reappearing as they dipped their heads back to her in respect.

“If you are ready, I will tether you to them.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat, letting out a weighted breath as I stretched my hand out to hers. “We are ready.”

My limbs pulled against the blackness as we tethered, the feeling brushing against my tangled nerves as we traveled through the fabric of reality. We landed atop a high mountain peak that was scattered with monks climbing and descending the worn stone pathways that led to the temples peppering the hills. I had never been to Ithia’s House of High, and standing in front of it now, I was mesmerized by its beauty.

It stood among towering cedar trees, its wooden beams weathered by centuries of wind, rain, and sun. I stared at it in awe. It was so different from anything I had ever seen. Its roof was curved in graceful tiers and topped with bronze finials that had long since turned green with age.

“Miss?” Cai’s voice cut through my wonder.

My gaze fell back to hers to see the three of them had already stepped through the doors while I was gawking over the serene architecture. I forced my feet to move, not wanting to leave this beautiful sight behind as I followed after them, careful not to step on the moss that crept over the stone steps that led to the entrance.

Cai held open the wooden doors carved with dragons and phoenixes and as I stepped through them the fragrant scent of incense flooded my senses. My eyes widened at the smell as my gaze shot to Landers.

It smelled like him.

Moss and woods and coffee. He looked back at me with a knowing smile and my heart swelled in my chest. I knew he had been raised in Ithia, knew that this was where he had come from, but it wasn’t until this moment that I realized how deeply ingrained this culture—this realm—was in him.

Cai led us through the large open room. Tatami mats covered the floor that seemed to have been worn smooth by generations of worshipers. We weaved through, careful not to step on themas the soft sunlight reflected off ancient statues of gods and guardians that watched over the quiet space.

There was only one floor in the House of High, making the layout vast with large open corridors and hallways weaving in all directions. Cai walked us down a hallway directly across from the main entrance and we passed by multiple wooden archways leading into beautifully cultivated gardens and spaces that seemed built for meditation. I wasn’t sure if Landers would ever be able to get me to leave this place.

“We have arrived.” Cai’s voice cut through my thoughts as we finally reached the two large doors at the very far end of the hall.

I felt my skin blanch at her words.

The last time she had led me down a hall, led me to a realms leader—I was collared.

I swallowed back the memory, forcing myself to stay calm as she pushed open the doors and bowed.

I watched as the High Priest stood, throwing his arms out to the side as a wide grin spread across his face. “Landers, welcome back.”

“Rilius,” Landers greeted, placing a hand over his chest, his other gripping the pommel of his sword as he bent at the waist in respect. Andrues mirrored his movements.

I’d been pouring overThe Storiesand texts in Locdragoon’s archives, learning every ounce of information I could—studying for moments like these.

The room fell silent as all eyes fell to me.

They were gathered around a large oval table that came only a foot from the ground, with intricate patterns carved into the wooden surface. There were three zabutons left open for us at the curve of the table’s edge closest to us, each their own shade of purple. I smiled at the color, the sign of respect they were showing to the three of us. Everything in their culture held meaning and traditions that had been upheld for millennia.