They continued on, passing by buildings with intricately carved facades. Some had symbols etched into the stonework—runes that seemed to shift and change when looked at from different angles. Athena explained that these runes were a form of ancient magic, used to protect and preserve the city.
"These runes," she said, tracing one with her finger, "are part of what keeps Rebelkin hidden and safe. They blend the city with the surrounding rock, making it nearly impossible to find unless you know exactly where to look. They also ward off dangerous creatures that might try to enter."
As they walked further, they came to a bustling marketplace. Stalls were filled with goods that Cyrus had never seen before—fruits that glowed faintly, fabrics that shimmered like liquid, and trinkets imbued with subtle magic. Athena paused by a stall selling a variety of spices, each one more vibrant and aromatic than the last.
