Page 3 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts

Amelia took a slow sip of her wine, determined not to succumb to Sevar’s provocations. The mournful music had concluded, giving way to a livelier rhythm, its meaning unmistakable. It was a patriotic dance, a celebration of the impending fall of the veil – the invisible barrier separating the reality of Antambazi from the rest of the world.

Once again, sensing that she was being watched, Amelia glanced towards the end of the hall. By one of the columns stood Kathrine, Sevar’s fiancée, and another of the Queen’s most trusted confidantes. Unlike the other revellers, her attire was far from festive – dark chestnut hair fell down her back, and a form-fitting jumpsuit in graphite tones covered her slender figure. She kept an eye on the room with vigilant precision, her posture radiating tension.

Amelia didn’t know what to make of the reptilian woman. She had seen in a vision that Kathrine had once aided the previous Oracle in escaping from Antambazi, but whether that meant she was friend or foe… Who knew? For the time being, Amelia was waiting for the right opportunity to exploit this knowledge.

Their eyes met for a second, then Kathrine circled the dance floor to approach her. “She’s summoning you.”

Amelia’s pulse quickened once more.She.The woman who had compelled Amelia to steal Mikhail’s heirloom ring.

The one who held Mikhail captive.

***

Amelia

Walking through the gallery adorned with illustrations of terrestrial landscapes, Amelia allowed the Higher Powers’ knowledge to flow through her. A cacophony of sensations overwhelmed her – wild and untamed, as was typical of her Oracle abilities – but she was gradually learning to navigate her surroundings while enduring their unrelenting onslaught. She reassured herself that one day she would master them, and until then, she seized every opportunity to include them in her actions, striving for progress. So far, there had been none.

She abandoned the attempt as she reached the threshold of the central foyer. At the base of an arched marble staircase was a three-metre statue of the woman who ruled Antambazi.Following Kathrine up the stairs, Amelia found it difficult to tear her gaze away from the stone face, which seemed to mock her.

They passed some young Chosen on the stairs, who offered respectful greetings and stepped aside. Once at the top, Kathrine led Amelia through lengthy corridors with towering ceilings and immense windows. Beyond, the black, craggy landscape of Antambazi unfurled like a painting. The twinkling lights of reptilian homes dotted the slopes.

On the uppermost floor of the palace, at the end of a corridor lined with sombre stained glass, stood a massive wooden door embellished with an enormous snake motif on its handle. The room beyond was a peculiar blend of red, bronze, and shadow. As soon as Amelia stepped inside, the sensation of being trapped within the bloody interior of a heart surged anew.

The Mother of Reptilians sat at a round table in the centre of the room, engrossed in a newspaper. Her golden hair cascaded like a veil down the back of her pearlescent gown, and her face betrayed no emotion.

Sevar lounged in a plush armchair by the window, regarding Amelia with a self-satisfied expression, as if expecting her inquisition.

“Thank you, my dear. You may return to your duties now.” The Queen dismissed Kathrine with a gesture, and returned her attention to the open newspaper in her hands.

Amelia tilted her head, trying to make out the details. ‘The Daily Chronicle of Antambazi.’The headline underneath read:BODY FOUND IN THE OUTER DISTRICTS! DO WE HAVE A VAMPIRE IN ANTAMBAZI?

The Queen closed the paper with a shake of her head. “We have another breach.”

Sevar scoffed. “His days are numbered. The responsible teams will apprehend him within twenty-four hours.”

Amelia wondered who these ‘responsible teams’ were. TheChosen, or the ordinary guards? Did they possess the military prowess of Sevar and Kathrine? How much of an obstacle would they be when she was ready to make her move for freedom?

“It’s not uncommon for humans or creatures to stumble accidentally upon the portals to Antambazi and find themselves within our reality,” the Queen explained to Amelia. “Last night, my guards discovered a body in the outer districts, bearing the marks of a vampire bite on the neck. Someone has feasted on reptilian blood.”

Amelia’s focus shifted to the golden chain from which a ring had slipped into view above the Queen’s black corset. The antique band bore a lion’s head and was wide enough to fit a man’s fingers. Quickly averting her gaze – lest it bring forth memories of the man it belonged to – Amelia took a seat and busied herself with adjusting the folds of her skirt.

“How are you finding Antambazi?” the Queen asked, her voice melodic. She would sing angelically even while pronouncing death sentences.

Amelia’s eyes drifted to the vast ebony-wood library occupying the wall to the left of the windows. Jars of flowers and glass vials filled with coloured liquids lined the shelves alongside the books. “I’m well, thank you.”

“Have you explored the districts?”

“Kathrine and Sevar were kind enough to show me around.”

“Then I presume you’ve spoken with the locals. I hope you’ve come to understand that we are no different from other species. We deserve to share the Earth with everyone else…”

Amelia’s focus flickered to the opposite wall. Behind glass-panelled doors stood many small figurines, including a winged lion, a wolf, and something resembling a lizard.

“I wasn’t able to attend the ball this evening, but I understand the atmosphere was delightful. Did you enjoy yourself?” the Queen asked.

“It was… beautiful.”

“Did you dance? We reptilians are exceptionally talented dancers.”