Valerie was beginning to understand one thing about Aeloria: life here was anything but predictable.
Between Veader's cryptic explanations, Eira's unsettling visions, and the looming presence of the Rift, her world had become a whirlwind of confusion.
And now, another complication had entered the mix—one she didn't see coming.
Sky.
She first noticed him lingering on the edges of conversations, his piercing golden eyes following her with a quiet intensity. He was one of Veader's trusted lieutenants, a figure of authority in the Sanctum.
His tall frame, sharp features, and a confident smirk made him stand out among the stoic Keepers. His silvery hair fell just past his shoulders, a stark contrast to his black combat armor.
Valerie wasn't sure what to make of him. There was something about the way he carried himself—a casual arrogance, a subtle charm—that made him both intriguing and unnerving.
---
Later that day, she found herself in one of the Sanctum's gardens. It was an oddly serene place, filled with glowing flowers and soft, trickling streams of what looked like liquid light.
Valerie had come here to clear her head, needing a break from the constant tension.
"You seem to be adjusting well," a smooth voice said, startling her.
She spun around to find Sky leaning casually against a nearby tree, his arms crossed. The faint glow of the garden reflected in his golden eyes, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance.
"Do people here not believe in announcing themselves?" Valerie asked, crossing her arms.
Sky chuckled, pushing off the tree and walking toward her.
"And miss the chance to see you jump? Never."
Valerie rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips.
"Do you need something, or are you just here to annoy me?"
"I'm here because I'm curious," Sky said, stopping a few feet away.
"You're the first human I've ever met. And you've managed to catch Veader's attention—a rare feat, I might add."
"Lucky me," Valerie muttered, glancing away.
Sky tilted his head, studying her.
"You don't seem impressed by him."
"I didn't ask to be here, and I definitely didn't ask for his attention," she replied.
"I just want to go home."
"Home," Sky repeated, his tone thoughtful.
"And yet, you're here. Maybe the Rift had other plans for you."
"Yeah, well, the Rift can go—"
"Careful," Sky interrupted, smirking.
"The Rift hears everything."
Valerie frowned, unsure if he was joking or not.
Sky's expression softened, and he took a step closer.
"You're brave, you know. Most people wouldn't dare speak to Veader the way you do. They wouldn't question him, wouldn't push back. But you? You're not afraid to stand your ground."
Valerie shrugged, uncomfortable under his gaze.
"Maybe I'm just stupid."
He chuckled again.
"Or maybe you're exactly what this realm needs."
She looked up at him, startled by his words.
"What do you mean by that?"
Sky leaned in slightly, his golden eyes locked on hers.
"This realm has been teetering on the edge for a long time, Valerie. Veader sees it. Eira sees it. And now, with you here, things are changing. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but I do know one thing: you're not as ordinary as you think."
Her heart skipped a beat at the intensity in his gaze. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, another voice cut through the air.
"Sky."
Both of them turned to see Veader standing at the edge of the garden, his expression unreadable but his silver eyes colder than usual.
Sky straightened, his casual demeanor returning.
"Veader," he said smoothly.
"I was just keeping the human company."
"I'm sure you were," Veader replied, his tone icy.
"But I believe she has had enough distractions for one day."
Valerie glanced between the two men, feeling the tension crackling in the air.
Sky smirked, giving her a small nod.
"Until next time, Valerie."
With that, he strode past Veader, who didn't so much as glance at him.
Veader stepped closer, his gaze fixed on Valerie.
"I trust you found the garden… calming."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Is that what you call it?"
Veader's eyes narrowed slightly, though there was no real malice in his expression.
"Sky has a way of complicating things. Be wary of him."
"Why?" Valerie asked, crossing her arms.
"He seemed nice enough."
Veader's jaw tightened, and for a moment, she thought he wasn't going to answer.
Then he said, "Sky's loyalty is… complex. His interest in you may not be as harmless as it seems."
Valerie frowned.
"And your interest in me is?"
Veader's eyes softened, catching her off guard.
"My interest," he said quietly, "is ensuring this realm survives. That includes you, whether you believe it or not."
Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving her alone with her swirling thoughts.
As she stood there, staring after him, one thing became clear: Aeloria's mysteries weren't limited to the Rift. And Sky and Veader were both pieces of a puzzle she was only beginning to understand.