¬ Hiln
The city sprawled before us in the near distance.
I stood at the edge of the castle grounds' outer gates. Becca was beside me, and for a long moment, I could do nothing but stare.
Towers rose in spiralling clusters, their dark stone facades carved with intricate patterns that caught the afternoon light. Bridges arched between buildings at dizzying heights, connecting structures together.
We were not even close to the outskirts yet, but on the dark field separating the capital city from the castle. What I saw ahead was nothing like the squat, practical villages I was used to.
Everything here reached upward in spires, domes, and crystalline windows that matched the monstrosity of the castle.
What I was about to face felt terrifying all of a sudden.
"Hiln." Becca's voice was barely a whisper. "Please. I think we should go back."
I did not answer her immediately.
