Luminara

The gates of Luminara loomed higher than any Ryder had ever seen. Towering and formidable, they were flanked by two guards standing rigid in gleaming, iridescent armor. As the group approached, the guards stepped forward, spears at the ready, their posture sharp with caution.

“Halt! What business do you have he—” one began, but his voice faltered as his eyes landed on Ryder. He blinked, then leaned toward his comrade, whispering something under his breath.

“Wh-who are you?” the second guard called out, both now holding their spears upright but clearly unsettled.

“I’m Eon,” Eon answered, calm and composed, “and these are Ryder, Erys, and Alice.” He motioned to each of them in turn, unfazed by the guards’ hesitation. “We’ve come to see the Grand Luminary.”

The first guard pressed a hand to his ear, murmuring something unintelligible. The other held his ground, though his grip on the spear had loosened slightly.

After a tense pause, the first tapped his companion on the arm. At once, both guards lowered their weapons.

“Of course,” the second said with a slight bow, motioning toward the gates. “You may enter.”

The massive fortified gates creaked open, swinging inward with slow, deliberate weight. Once fully open, the two guards flanking the entrance stepped aside, resuming their positions at either side to allow the group passage.

Ryder and the others stepped cautiously into the city.

Inside, more guards patrolled the wide cobblestone streets, but something immediately struck Ryder—the emptiness. Luminara was massive, easily the most fortified and expansive city they had seen yet, but where were the people? Aside from the guards, the streets were eerily quiet.

Glyntstone lanterns mounted atop tall silver poles lined the walkways, casting a familiar blue glow. Ryder had seen the stone used throughout Aetherealm, but here, it was everywhere. It seemed integral to the city’s structure, woven into its very bones.

As they continued along the empty streets, Eon led the way without hesitation. From the direction they were heading, Ryder guessed they were making their way toward the towering spire they’d seen from outside the walls.

The guards within the city moved with practiced routine, shifting from post to post. Oddly, most paid the group no attention. It was strange—outside, they were treated with cautious scrutiny. But now, within the walls, it was as if they were invisible.

The further they walked, the more Ryder noticed the unusual quiet. Luminara had buildings scattered throughout—stone outposts, watchtowers, a few modest structures—but no homes. No shops. No residents walking the streets. No voices echoing through alleyways. No children laughing. No market chatter.

Nothing.

Every city they’d visited before had been alive with movement, with Aethereans living their lives. But here, the silence pressed down on everything.

Just guards.

A few here and there. Fewer still as they approached the heart of the city.

And always, that towering spire watching over them all.

At last, after weaving their way through the heart of the city, the group arrived at the towering spire that pierced the sky—Aetherspire. As they approached its grand entrance, the massive doors creaked open. A cluster of guards stepped forward, flanking a woman who was clearly not one of them. Her attire, slim fitting and regal, shimmered slightly in the torchlight, a stark contrast to the guards’ armor.

“I welcome you all to Aetherspire, travelers,” the woman said, lifting her arms in a graceful gesture of greeting. Four guards stood in formation around her, silent and alert.

Eon immediately bowed upon seeing her, and Ryder glanced to his companions to find they had followed suit. Flustered, he quickly lowered his head as well.

“My name is Aeva, the Dawnkeeper,” she continued with a warm, steady voice. “I serve as the Grand Luminary’s advisor. I was informed of your arrival by the gate watch. Unfortunately, the Grand Luminary is away on an excursion and will not return until morning. However, you are welcome to stay the night within Aetherspire. We have rooms prepared for travelers such as yourselves, and once he returns, he will grant you an audience.”

Her long hair cascaded down her back like a silken banner, her posture composed and dignified.

Eon smiled politely. “We’ve been traveling all day and would greatly appreciate the chance to rest. Your hospitality means a great deal to us.”

“Of course,” Aeva replied with a nod. “My guards will escort you to your chambers. Please, follow me.”

With a gentle turn, she led the way into the tower, her guards forming a protective arc around her. Eon stepped forward, and the rest of the group followed, entering the towering structure beneath the watchful eyes of the city’s sentinels.

As soon as Ryder stepped inside, it felt as though he had entered another realm entirely. The tower, already immense from the outside, seemed impossibly vast within. Marble walls gleamed beneath the soft light, their smooth surfaces interrupted only by rich accents of dark wood and veins of glyntstone that pulsed faintly with energy. Precisely cut glyntstone orbs floated atop marble pillars, lining the path toward a grand staircase and casting a familiar blue glow that danced across the polished floors.

At the center of the atrium rose a spiraling staircase that seemed to ascend endlessly. Suspended in the hollow core of each level was a glowing glyntstone orb, illuminating the stairs above it with an ethereal light. Just behind the staircase stood a lift, reminiscent of the one Ryder and Eon had used back at the Stonehaven inn. Flanking the staircase on both sides were wide hallways lined with golden doors, each etched with scenes from Aetherean legend—like something out of the murals in Moonvael’s library.

“Please, enjoy your evening,” Aeva said with a graceful nod. Her personal guards followed as she turned down the hallway to the left, her elegance evident in every step.

“This way, please,” one of the remaining guards said, motioning toward the opposite hallway on the right.

They followed him across the gleaming floor, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the towering space. As they reached the hall, the guard stopped in front of three doors.

“These rooms are yours for the evening. As honored guests of the Grand Luminary, you are welcome to make yourselves at home,” he said, extending an arm toward the doors in invitation.

“I’ll stay with Ryder tonight. You two can have the others,” Alice offered with a warm smile.

Eon nodded. “Of course. Have a pleasant night, everyone.” With that, he opened the center door and disappeared into his room.

Erys hesitated, clearly a bit uneasy, but offered a gentle nod. “Goodnight, Ryder. Goodnight, Alice… and Eon. Take care,” she said before stepping into the room on the right.

The guard then led Alice and Ryder into the room on the left, closing the door behind them with a soft click. The echo of his armor faded into the distance as his footsteps retreated down the marble hall.

The room was far more modern than Ryder had anticipated. It felt almost futuristic, a sharp contrast to the old-world charm of everywhere else they’d stayed. But this was Aetherspire—essentially the castle of the realm—so perhaps it made sense.

The walls were pure white stone, marbled, smooth and unmarred, with elegant gold accents lining the edges in crisp, deliberate patterns. Everything felt sleek and pristine, from the polished floor to the soft, golden light humming gently from the ceiling above. The bed itself was a dream; plush, warm, and softer than any Ryder had ever known. A wooden desk and dresser, each inlaid with gold, sat tucked neatly into the corners of the room. It was like resting in a chamber designed by the sun itself.

The moment the door shut behind them, a weight lifted from Ryder’s shoulders. Finally, he was alone with Alice, his best friend, in this strange, beautiful world.

Alice began removing her armor piece by piece, setting each carefully on the dresser. She propped her sword and shield against the wall nearby, now dressed in the simple white shirt and pants she wore beneath it all.

“It’s been a long day. You should get some rest, Ry,” she said, her voice gentler now, without the weight of battle or urgency.

Ryder nodded, though rest was the last thing on his mind. They had made it to Luminara. They were inside the Aetherspire. And tomorrow… they might finally be going home. That thought, as hopeful as it was, left his mind buzzing.

“There’s no way I can sleep. Not yet,” he said as he sat on the edge of the bed. “How do you think we even got here? What’s actually going on? What did you learn in Felrose? There’s just… so much.”

“I can imagine it’s overwhelming,” Alice replied, pulling her legs up and sitting cross-legged on the bed across from him. “Honestly, I haven’t learned much, aside from the fact that umbramancers are everywhere—and they’re tearing the realm apart. The guard who gave me this armor said they’re disrupting the balance of Aetherealm. From what I’ve seen today… I believe him. Honestly, Ry, it kind of feels like we got trapped here the moment that Goddess went off on her week-long vacation.”

Ryder let out a tired laugh. “Right? That timing just feels way too convenient. But still, how is it even possible we’re in the world I imagined? This place… it’s like I’ve been here.”

He laid back on the bed, staring at the gilded ceiling above. “When I saw Aeiaris… it hit me like déjà vu. I didn’t want to say anything to Eon or Erys, but… that tree felt familiar. And when I touched it, everything, my anxiety and confusion, it just faded. Like it was pulling all of that away.”

Alice tilted her head slightly. “I think that is the magic of Aeiaris,” she said. “I felt it too. Calm, for the first time in… I don’t even know how long.”

Ryder turned onto his side, his voice quiet now. “Now that you’re here, I just wish Bastian had joined us too.” He sighed. “I hope he’s okay.”

“I know. I miss the big lug,” Alice said with a soft chuckle. “But let’s be real—if he’s crossed any umbramancers, they’ve probably already been turned into pixels.”

Ryder couldn’t help but smile. “You’re probably right.”

“Of course I’m right,” she teased, giving him a smirk. “Now come on. We should get some sleep.”

“Yeah…” Ryder sighed, still wide awake but knowing she was right. Tomorrow they’d meet the Grand Luminary. Tomorrow, maybe, they’d finally go home.

He lay back once more, eyes on the ceiling, the warm gold glow now dimmed to a soft hush. Soon, he thought, he’d be in his own bed again. Staring at his own ceiling. Thinking about this world like it was a dream.

With that thought, his eyes slowly closed.

And sleep finally came.

Morning came in what felt like the blink of an eye.

Ryder jolted awake to the clatter of armor, heart pounding. For a split second, he thought an umbramancer had breached the room.

“Whoa, whoa,” Alice said quickly, crossing the room to steady him. “It’s alright. Sorry; I didn’t mean to startle you. We got a letter under the door. The Grand Luminary has invited us to breakfast in the Great Hall.”

Ryder sat upright, still trying to catch his breath. His heart now raced for an entirely different reason. This was it. They were finally going to meet Oberon.

He took a few steadying breaths, trying to calm the nerves twisting in his stomach. So much had happened during his time in Aetherealm. The thought of finally going home felt distant, yet somehow just within reach.

With a small gesture, Ryder summoned his chest of clothes. He opened it, pulled out a fresh outfit, and dressed quietly before vanishing the rest of his belongings into his vault with a flick of his hand.

“Ready?” Alice asked, now fully equipped with her sword at her side and shield slung over her back.

Ryder gave a slow nod, exhaling once more before stepping toward the door.

As he exited the room, Eon emerged from the center room at the same time, followed moments later by Erys. Without a word, the group gathered in the hall.

A guard approached with crisp footsteps, his expression neutral but polite.

“Good morning. Please follow me,” he said, giving a brief nod before turning on his heel and heading toward the main foyer.

Eon stepped forward without hesitation, leading the way. Erys, Alice, and finally Ryder followed behind, their footsteps echoing quietly through the gleaming halls of Aetherspire.

As they stepped into the main foyer, Aeva emerged from the opposite hallway, her movements as graceful as the night before.

“Welcome, travelers,” she said with a soft smile. “I hope your night here in Aetherspire was restful. The Grand Luminary is expecting you in the Great Hall. I’ll be escorting you personally.”

She led them past the towering spiral staircase and toward the lift tucked behind it. “We haven’t used the stairs since the lifts were installed,” she added with a light chuckle. “Please, join me.”

This lift differed from the one in Stonehaven—open rather than enclosed, with no glass to separate them from the towering interior of the spire. Aeva’s two guards stepped onto the platform, taking position on either side. Without a word, they each dropped to one knee, closed their eyes, and extended a hand toward the floor.

A low hum filled the air, and a soft blue light glowed beneath the platform. Then, with a sudden jolt, the lift shot upward.

Ryder stumbled slightly, catching himself with a step. Even Alice and Erys seemed to have handled the abrupt motion more gracefully than he did.

As they ascended, Ryder tried to make sense of the floors that blurred past. Each level appeared unique—different layouts, colors, possibly even purposes—but the lift rose far too quickly for him to take it all in.

Finally, the lift came to a sharp stop at the highest floor.

In front of them was the grand staircase that opened into a stone platform flanked by massive doors. The doors were embossed with a radiant sun and drifting clouds, their gold and white design immediately reminding Ryder of the coins of Aetherealm. They resembled the Moonvael Library doors—almost as if they had been crafted as sisters.

What caught his attention most, however, was the environment around them.

Grass sprouted between the stone tiles. Ivy crept along the columns and walls. The uppermost floor of the Aetherspire looked as though it was slowly being overtaken by nature. It wasn’t ruinous, far from it in fact, it was serene. Beautiful. But undeniably strange.

Above them, the ceiling shimmered with stained glyntstone. The aether within it swirled and pulsed with life, glowing even as sunlight poured through. High above, visible through the crystal dome, floated the golden Crown of Aetherealm, suspended in place with magic, streams of aether arcing like veins between it and the peak of the spire.

Ryder leaned toward Erys, his voice hushed. “Isn’t it strange that the Great Hall is at the top?”

Erys nodded, her gaze still fixed upward. “Yeah… very,” she whispered, equally taken in by the surreal beauty of the space.

There was a silence between them, but it wasn’t empty. It was full of awe.

Aeva raised a hand to her ear and murmured something under her breath—too low for Ryder to catch. She then stepped off the lift and walked toward the towering doors ahead.

The others followed in silence, while the two guards remained behind, kneeling at the lift’s edge. They began securing the platform to the top floor using thick, enchanted chains that clicked into place with a deep metallic hum.

With a graceful motion, Aeva waved her hand. The enormous doors responded immediately, creaking open as if acknowledging her presence. She stepped forward into the Great Hall without hesitation.

As soon as the group crossed the threshold, the doors closed behind them with a resounding thud.

This… is definitely a Great Hall, Ryder thought.

The chamber was breathtaking in scale. Towering marble columns lined either side, stretching up toward a vast mural painted across the arched ceiling. The artwork depicted what looked to be the creation of Aetherealm itself. A cosmic figure shaping land, stars forming from aetheric flame, and on either end, the sun and moon presiding like eternal sentinels.

The center of the room dipped slightly into a grand sunken area, where a long table made of deep mahogany stretched from end to end. Intricate gold accents shimmered along its edges, mirrored by the ornate chairs that surrounded it, each clearly carved for both beauty and authority.

At the far end of the hall stood an enormous crystal-glass window made from dozens of interlocking shards of pure glyntstone. Each piece shimmered softly, its edges glowing with aether that pulsed gently along the seams. From his current vantage point, all Ryder could see beyond it was open sky and a horizon of clouds.

But he knew if he walked close enough, he’d be able to see the entire expanse of Aetherealm.

Standing at the far end of the hall, framed by the crystalline window and the vast sky beyond, was a tall figure dressed in flowing silks of white and gold. A matching hat rested atop his head, and in one hand he held an ornate staff, crowned with radiant spikes like the blazing sun itself.

Aeva continued across the chamber, guiding the group toward him.

As the figure turned, a bright, welcoming smile lit up his face—until his gaze landed on Ryder.

“Arc’s Light… he looks just like you. Just… hairier,” Erys whispered, her voice barely audible over the hush of the hall.

Ryder blinked, eyes narrowing as he studied the man ahead. She wasn’t wrong. The beard, the slightly longer hair, the clear skin untouched by freckles; it was all different. But beneath that, the man’s face was nearly identical to his own. The structure, the posture, the eyes.

This is Oberon? The Grand Luminary?

As if to punctuate the moment, Oberon gave a quick flick of his staff. It burst into a shimmering cascade of yellow, white, and golden pixels, fading like glitter as they drifted to the marble floor.

“And he’s got flashy magic,” Erys whispered again.

“Your Majesty—” Aeva began, but she was cut off abruptly.

“You…” Oberon stepped forward, the warmth in his expression replaced by an undercurrent of concern. His eyes locked with Ryder’s, scanning his face like a reflection in a mirror.

Ryder instinctively mirrored the gesture, cautious but curious.

This explains so much, he thought. The lingering stares, the odd tension in nearly every interaction since arriving in Aetherealm—this had to be why. He looked just like their ruler.

Oberon paused, then shook his head and offered that same disarming smile once more. “I welcome you to Luminara and to it’s Aetherspire, travelers. I am Oberon, Grand Luminary of Aetherealm. I’ve heard whispers of your journey—rumors carried across the realm. It seems you’ve made quite the impression.”

“Must not be much news around here if I’ve become that popular,” Ryder replied dryly, glancing toward Eon and Alice before returning his gaze to the man in gold. Then, more earnestly, he added, “I need your help.” He looked to Erys beside him. “We need your help.”

Oberon arched a brow. “And who is ‘we’ exactly?”

“I’m Ryder,” he said, steadying his breath. “This is Erys. We’ve both come for different reasons.”

“I see…” Oberon said, his smile curling with curiosity. “So then—are you going to tell me those reasons, or must I attempt to read your mind?”

He chuckled lightly, but the question hung there, threaded with genuine interest.

Ryder suddenly felt self-conscious, as if all eyes in the room had locked onto him. “Oh—yes. Of course. First, we need help trying to save Erys’s brother, Castor. He was… poisoned by the Mist of Mystvael. He’s been trapped in this catatonic state ever since. We pulled him from the Mist, and I tried hydromancy; but nothing worked.”

“You… saved the boy from the Mist?” Aeva gasped, her voice cutting through the hall as her attention moved to Oberon.

“That doesn’t sound possible,” Oberon added, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

“It’s true,” Eon said, his voice calm, his tone certain.

“It really is,” Erys added, stepping forward slightly. “We used pyromancy to keep the Mist at bay, and when we found my brother, Ryder created a rift to get us all out. Eon’s idea.”

“You can create rifts?” Oberon’s eyes widened, now visibly intrigued.

Ryder nodded. “Yes.”

“And he can see the aether,” Eon offered, looking to Oberon with quiet emphasis.

Oberon’s expression shifted from intrigue to genuine awe. “Fascinating. It’s been ages since I’ve met anyone else who could see it. It is beautiful, isn’t it?”

Ryder’s eyes lit up. “You see it too?”

“Yes,” Oberon said with a warm smile. “I’ve been blessed with Aethersight. One of Aeiaris’ many gifts. Only a rare few possess the sight—you’re only the fourth I’ve ever known… and I’ve lived a very long time.”

“That’s… rare,” Ryder murmured, rubbing his chin, thoughts spiraling.

“Very,” Oberon said with a slow nod. “And your second request?”

Ryder hesitated. The words felt heavier than he’d expected. “Getting me home.”

The room seemed to fall quiet again.

Oberon studied him. “I see. And where is ‘home’?”

“Earth. The Rothmore Estate,” Ryder answered, his voice pleading.

Oberon’s expression grew more solemn. “Then please allow me to consult the Lexicon with your requests.” Without another word, he turned and began walking down the long corridor that led out of the Great Hall, golden silks trailing behind him.

Aeva stepped forward in his place, her voice softer now. “Please, have a seat. We’ve prepared a feast in your honor—flavors from across the capital. The Grand Luminary will return shortly, I’m sure.”

She clapped her hands and doors along the side of the hall—ones Ryder hadn’t noticed until now—quietly opened. As they did, she curtsied before following after Oberon.

They each found their place at the long table. One by one, servers emerged, bringing with them silver trays piled high with food: golden eggs cooked with herbs, spiced meats, delicate pastries, rich pies, and even fruit-glazed cakes. The aroma alone was enough to make everyone’s mouth water.

Without hesitation, they began to eat, selecting whatever called to them in the moment, each lost in their own thoughts beneath the painted heavens of the Great Hall.

About halfway through their meal, the great hall doors creaked open once more. Aeva and Oberon stepped inside, making their way with quiet purpose toward the far end of the long table where the group sat, still partway through their breakfast.

“Apologies for the delay,” Oberon said as he approached, his voice calm but solemn. “I wished to be thorough in my research before offering any counsel.”

Ryder froze mid-bite, the food catching in his throat. This was it.

Oberon placed his hands behind his back, standing tall. “After consulting the Lexicon, I’ve come to a conclusion. For your first request, saving the boy, your best hope lies with a Dovaari healer—preferably a Peisio Dovaari with healing knowledge. The Dovaari wield the strongest healing magic in all of Aetherealm, capable of channeling immense power through the absorption of Dovaa souls. Their elemental magic is unmatched. If anyone can heal him, it would be one of them. I suggest you travel to Briarthorne. Many Dovaari reside there. I’m certain you’ll find someone capable of helping your brother.”

Oberon paused, then turned to Ryder.

“As for your second request…”

Ryder held his breath. Please. Please let there be a way.

“If your current rifts are not taking you home,” Oberon said, “then you must master the way of Aetherean magic. Only through understanding the elements can you unlock Vaelbreak, an extremely complex spell. With it, you can create a rift powerful enough to pierce the boundary between worlds.”

Vaelbreak? Ryder’s mind raced. The spellbook. The one he’d carried all this time.

Without hesitation, Ryder stood up and summoned the book from his vault. The worn tome appeared in his hands, plain and unremarkable—save for the words etched inside.

“This spellbook belonged to someone called The Vaelbreaker,” he said, flipping to the first page.

Property of

The Vaelbreaker

Oberon’s eyes widened. He stepped forward swiftly, the air around him crackling with sudden intensity. “Let me see that,” he said, the curiosity in his tone now urgent.

Ryder handed him the book, then summoned the staff he’d found at the same time. The wooden weapon materialized beside him, humming faintly with energy.

Oberon examined the staff first, running his fingers across its surface, then opened the tome and scanned the first few pages.

“Where did you find this?” Oberon asked.

”When I first arrived in Aetherealm, just beyond uh… Aeiabloom Field, I guess?” Ryder responded, looking to Eon who reassured him with a nod—yet understandably taken aback by hearing this information for the first time.

”Do not let it out of your possession. Knowledge like that, if it falls into the wrong hands…” Oberon’s voice trailed, leaving the warning unfinished. After a moment, he closed the tome carefully and returned it to Ryder.

Ryder nodded slowly, his fingers running along the familiar title once more. The weight of it felt different now. He’d have to explore its contents as soon as possible.

“So…” Ryder began, voice subdued, “learning the elements. How many are there? What does that even entail?”

“There are nine elemental disciplines,” Oberon said as he raised his left hand, and a sphere of light magic immediately formed above it. It hovered like a glowing crystal orb, flickering with shifting images of the elements—each one appearing as he spoke, pausing between them for emphasis. “Flora. Wind. Electricity. Fire. Water. Ice. Terra. Light. Shadow.”

“Nine,” Ryder whispered as he watched the images flash in the orb before them, eyes dropping to the table. Nine.

He thought back to his journey—he’d only seen some of those elements in action. And only truly practiced with water magic. Mastering all of them?

It felt impossible.

And with that realization came the truth he feared most: he wouldn’t be going home today. He might not be going home for a long time.

His thoughts spiraled. Would it take years? A lifetime? Should he just resolve himself to never going home? Never seeing his family or friends again? The only condolence was that he had both Alice and Bastian here in Aetherealm.

“W-What if someone helped me?” he asked, desperation slipping through. “Could you help me create the rift?”

Oberon’s expression softened, brows furrowing as the orb of light zipped shut and vanished. He shook his head, the regret clear in his eyes. “I’m afraid not. In the history of Aetherealm, only one has ever truly broken the Vael—and that’s the one who owned that tome you now carry.”

He nodded toward the tome still resting in Ryder’s hands.

“The Vaelbreaker.”