Page 106 of Fated

There was a discernible pride in Ash’s voice as he explained the technology of his kingdom, and it only made me want to ask more questions.

“Yes, but only emergency and royal vehicles use the airspace at this height. Everyone else stays much closer to the ground.”

“What if you leave Ambrosia?” I asked, fascinated by how advanced this world seemed.

“You can activate the manual controls for air or ground travel. I’ve tried to convince the other kingdoms to adopt my system, but they aren’t as enthusiastic about technology as we are. With this system implemented worldwide, anyone could travel right across the world—to Titan, for example—in just a few hours.”

I finally mustered the courage to peek out of my window, and the sight below took my breath away. The land was vibrant, a patchwork of stunning colors, beyond beautiful.

We had just flown over dense lush forests stretching endlessly, giving way to rolling hills dotted with shimmering blue lakes and rivers that snaked their way through the landscape.

As we approached a more populated area, tiny neighborhoods came into view, nestled in the landscape like well-placed gems. Ash’s eyes were set on me as I took it all in, amix of pride and amusement radiating from him as he drank in my awe at the beauty of his world.

“Willow, drop to cruising altitude,” he commanded.

Xanth raised an eyebrow, glancing between Ash and me, but then he went back to staring through his own window. The charger slowed and began its descent, lowering us enough that I could make out more details—the homes, the neighborhoods. But these weren’t houses like those in my world. They were sleek, modern, with bold angles or biomorphic curves.

Most had massive open windows, all of them made from the same stark white stone.

“The houses are carved from silk stone,” Ash explained quietly in my ear. “The material absorbs energy from the sun naturally, which is then converted into electricity for the home.”

I marveled at the ingenuity, my eyes trailing over the landscape until Ash pointed toward the large window in the front of the charger.

“And ahead, there, that’s home. The city of Luminessa.”

My gaze followed his gesture, and my mouth fell open.

Rising before us was the most magnificent city I had ever seen. Towering silver skyscrapers and sparkling crystal-like buildings lined the horizon, their glinting surfaces catching the light.

The streets below were lined with gleaming white stone shops, but what struck me most was the calm—there were no noisy cars or buses, no traffic at all. The streets were full of people walking leisurely, their laughter and chatter visible from on high.

Above the city, flying vehicles of all shapes and colors moved seamlessly through the sky, creating a mesmerizing dance of color and motion. Amidst the buildings, parks—filled withvibrant flowers, tall trees, fields of green, and glistening clear streams—scattered the landscape.

“I’ve seen this city before!” I beamed, turning to Ash with excitement. “In your memories.” Ash gave me a pleased smile while Xanth shot me a somewhat confused look.

As our destination came into view, I gasped in awe. All of the remarkable sights of the city so far paled in comparison to the breathtaking view ahead.

My hand instinctively went to my throat as I took in the castle before me. It was carved from white stone too, its massive glass windows reflecting the light, while the spires were so delicately crafted, the entire structure seemed as though it had been sculpted from ice.

“Oh, my God!” I exclaimed, much louder than intended.

Xanth and Greyson chuckled at my obvious awe, and I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear as I turned to Ash. “Ash … this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Not even the places I’ve read about in my most cherished books compare to this.”

Ash’s smile never wavered, his eyes shining with affection.

He leaned in, his voice low in my ear. “Watching you take in my city with those dazzling eyes of yours … eyes that see all of the magic and wonder the world has to offer … I think this will forever be one of my favorite memories.”

He kissed my forehead, making me blush, acutely aware of everyone’s eyes on me.

“Take us to the west entrance, Willow,” Xanth ordered.

The charger descended even farther, then shifted direction as it circled around the side of the castle. For a moment, it seemed as though we were heading straight into the stone walls, butat the last second, a hidden door slid open. The charger glided inside, landing smoothly and the door slid shut behind us.

Something shifted in Ash ever so slightly, a calm authority settling over him.

His voice took on a commanding tone when he spoke.

“Xanth, we’ll use the western drawing room; it is closest and the least conspicuous. I need you, Greyson, and Shae. Also, send for Tessa and Mom. Post a group of guards at the door and tell them no one enters or leaves that room without your permission. Is Humphrey still at the castle?”

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