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We leave the tunnel behind and round another cliff.A gasp catches in my throat.The scene in front of us is like something from a fairytale.The rock formations are carved into a myriad of canyons.Towers and turrets shaped by nature create a giant sandcastle.Great pans of water in dams with clay walls shine like mirrors in between.The pointed stone cones that rise like giant termite heaps from the ground are reflected in the flat surfaces of the water.A few windows are visible here and there.

“If Lona is known for its palace that reaches the sky,” Aruan says, “Marikanea is known for its palace that touches the belly of Zerra.The royal family constructed their new palace here when the volcano eruption destroyed the old one and half of their city.”

We walk to the edge of the cliff.A deep canyon runs like a moat around the palace, making access on foot impossible.The cliff is too steep to climb down, and there are no bridges.

Aruan holds out a hand.“Shall we?”

I sense his intention to create a portal for us.

A cryodrakon is hunting for lizards between the rocks.It would’ve been nice to see the palace from his back.I bet the aerial perspective makes an impressive picture.I’m a lightweight, much lighter than I should be thanks to all my childhood diseases.But a pterosaur won’t be able to carry the weight of a normal full-grown Alit, let alone Aruan’s.So I take his hand and hold on for the sensations that come with going through a portal.

We walk out onto a large, flat surface between two dams.My aunt waits outside, her white dress billowing in the wind that has suddenly picked up.

She embraces me before offering Aruan her wrist.He presses his wrist against hers in the customary greeting.By now, the wind is so strong that it’s pelting my face with sand.

“Quickly.”Evolet grabs my hand.“It’s the eastern wind.We’d better get inside.”

“What’s the eastern wind?”I ask as she drags me toward a cavernous entrance.

“It’s strong enough to blow an Alit away.”She rushes us inside.“And when it does, those unfortunate men and women are never found.”

The entrance seals behind us, which I presume is Evolet’s doing.

“We’re safe now.”She blows out a sigh.“I’m glad you got here in time.”

“I know the wind patterns,” Aruan says.“I timed our arrival.”

Evolet pats his shoulder.“Did you show Elsie around?”

“Yes, but I’m sure she’d like to explore the surroundings at her leisure later.”

“Is that why we landed on the beach and not in the palace?”I pose the question to Aruan.“Or did you just want to see me covered in snake slime?”

Evolet laughs.“You met the Slitheax.Good.Once they know you’re one of us, they won’t be tempted to crush your bones in a death hug before swallowing you alive.”

I repress another shiver at the memory of their tongues on my face.

“They’re actually a very peaceful species,” my aunt continues.“They only kill to feed.”

Okay.That doesn’t make me feel better.

“Everyone is eager to meet you.”Evolet leads the way, taking us into a maze of underground tunnels that are lit with the same pulsing light stones as in Lona.“But I’ll let you freshen up first.”

She shows us to spacious quarters with stone furniture and murals of dinosaurs, some rising from the water and others flying over the land.

She motions at the bed, which is elevated and not sunken as in the Water Palace.“I took the liberty of setting out some clothes for you.”

I look at the long, white dress and matching shoes.“You didn’t have to.”

“Of course I had to.”She waves a hand.“You can’t exactly travel with a trunk through a portal, can you?”

Oh.I didn’t think about that.There’s a tunic and pants for Aruan too.Something lacy sticking out from under the dress catches my eye.Curious, I go over and pull it out.It’s a type of thong.And something that resembles a strapless bra.

Aware of Aruan’s stare, I tuck the flimsy garments back into place.“You have underwear in Marikanea?”

Evolet shoots me a puzzled look.“Every kingdom on Zerra has underwear.”

My mouth drops open as I turn an accusing gaze on Aruan, who only shrugs with a wicked smile.