The sun rose, casting its golden light across the trees and buildings of Cedar Island, transforming the misty morning into a vibrant canvas. The shimmering rays, however, failed to elicit the usual awe from Tyler White.
Standing in the balcony, Tyler's lips twitched as he observed the sunrise. Ever since he learned that this sun was a mere projection of the real one from the distant North, the allure of watching it felt hollow. It was beautiful, yes, but artificial, like admiring a masterpiece painting and knowing it wasn't the original.
His gaze lingered a moment longer, the soft golden hues reflecting in his deep-set eyes, and then he turned away. The growing desire to venture further North burned within him, a flame that no imitation could extinguish.
Today, however, held other plans. Tyler and Mana were heading to the Cedar Garden, a sprawling forest cultivated specifically for its unique, mystical Cedar Trees.
