Page 135 of Cursed Dreams
“Well,” he said with a warm grin, jumping down with the ease of a man who was much younger than his actual age “Looks like this is where I let you lot get yourselves into more trouble.”
Thalia jumped down from the wagon after him. “Thank you,” she said, voice quiet, earnest. “For everything. For the ride. For… last night.”
He looked at her, a knowing glint in his eyes. “You’ve got something big ahead of you, don’t you?”
Thalia hesitated, then nodded.
Aric stepped forward and hugged her tightly, one strong arm around her shoulders. “Be safe, Miss Thalia,” he murmured. “And trust yourself. Even when it’s hard. Stany true to your yourself!”
She blinked rapidly, overcome with emotion. “I will.”
He pulled back, squeezing her arm before climbing back onto the wagon and waving to the others. “If any of you ever need another getaway cart,” he called over his shoulder, “I charge in gossip, not coin.” His infectious laughter rang out down the road as the wagon pulled away, leaving dust in its wake
The moment they stepped through the arched entryway of the smaller Temple of Amara, a breeze scented with lavender and herbs swirled around them, catching in Thalia’s hair, making her feel calmer that she had all day. The interior was warm and welcoming, lit by golden sconces and hanging lanterns that glowed like captured starlight. Vines of jasmine curled along the walls, and soft chants echoed faintly from somewhere deeper within.
Before Thalia could get her bearings, a tall priestess appeared around the corner, robes fluttering behind her as she strode briskly toward them. Her long brown hair was threaded with silver, and her eyes sparkled with barely restrained excitement.
“You must be Thalia,” the woman said, clasping her hands and smiling so brightly it nearly stunned her. “And your companions! We received a message this morning from High Priestess Elara herself. We were expecting your arrival in a day or two, you have made wonderful time. Please, Come, come.”
Thalia blinked, surprised, exchanging a quick glance with Nyla. “You… did?”
“Oh yes!” the woman nodded enthusiastically, beckoning them to follow as she led them through the entry corridor. “Elara said you were on a divine mission.Themission. You have no idea how long we’ve waited. How many prayers we’ve whispered, for something like this. If the High Fae return, as the scrolls once prophesied… well.” She gave Thalia a reverent look. “We are at your disposal.”
Thalia’s stomach twisted with a mix of nerves and disbelief. All of them knowing, already, about her mission unsettled her, even with the priestess’s open kindness.
Behind her, Cellen muttered, “Divine mission? Stars above, should we be walking in formation or something?”
“Maybe with matching cloaks,” Marand added with a wry grin. “Deep navy, to bring out your eyes.”
Thalia shot them both a look over her shoulder, rendering them quiet.
The priestess, clearly unaware of their mocking, ushered them into a wide corridor that opened into the main hall. “You’ll be needing food and rest before anything else. The hall is laid out, fresh stew, bread, honeyed fruits. You’ll eat, and then I’ll show you to your quarters.”
“I don’t suppose that comes with a foot massage and a hot bath too?” Cellen asked, dragging his feet dramatically. “Because I might be divine-adjacent now, but I still have blisters.”
Nyla elbowed him, stifling a laugh. “For once, I agree my muscles ache, and my feet!”
Marand shook her head. “I’ll settle for a comfortable bed and pillow, I’m exhausted.”
Thalia ignored them all. She wasn’t in the mood for jokes. Her nerves were shot; her thoughts tangled with so many things that were out of her control. Vaelith was still out there. Hunting, for them, and now the priestesses knew why she was here. How much they knew, she wasn’t sure, but the thought unsettled her completely. Worse, they still hadn’t managed to look at the map. The one they’d risked everything to steal. It sat, hidden and unopened, while everyone around her laughed like they had time to waste. She didn’t want to hear it. Didn’t want to smile. Every chuckle scraped at her patience. All she wanted was to get away from the noise, lay that map out flat, andfinallymake sense of something. As they entered the main hall, the rich scent of stew and spices filled the air. Thalia’s stomach twisted, a sharp reminder that she hadn’t eaten all day. She took a bowl without thinking but barely tasted the food. The others talked and laughed around her, their voices distant. She kept her head down as she ate, eat bite feeling like a delay she couldn’t afford.
After they had finished their meal, the priestess led them down a quiet corridor to a small, warm chamber tucked at the back of the temple. It had clearly been made ready for their use, thick woven rugs lined the floor, soft lanterns flickered along the walls, and a low table sat at the centre surrounded by plush cushions. A tea service waited in the corner, steam still curling from the pot as if someone had just left.
Thalia felt a pang of gratitude at the thoughtfulness. Still, impatience gnawed at her. They were wasting time. Too much was unknown, and every moment they sat idle left them more vulnerable. Her friends had trusted her, followed her without knowing the full weight of what they were walking into. She hadbeen naive not to realise just how dangerous vaelith was. He was a dragon. She needed answers. And she needed them now! Caelum was the only one strong enough to stand against Vaelith. The only one who might be able stop him if he came after her friends. If she wanted to keep them safe, she had to find him and quickly.
Cellen’s groan as he flopped down on to one of the cushions around the table with little grace dragged her out her thoughts and back into the room.
“Gods, I’m stuffed” he sighed, reaching into his satchel. “Should we look at the map tonight or tomorrow?”
“Now” her words came out more forceful that she meant them to.
He gave her a wide-eyed stare as he pulled out the old map and carefully unfurled it across the table. Its worn parchment shimmered faintly in the lantern light, the delicate, ancient ink drawing her eyes in. The room fell silent as they all leaned in.
“Let me get the other one to compare” Marand said pulling a newer more recognisable map from her own satchel and laying them side by side. Everyone stared at them both.
Brushing a hand lightly over the lower edge Nyla turned the map another way, a frown creasing her forehead.
“I don’t recognise this writing?”
