The Starlance drifted through the sky like it was gliding on silk. The engines hummed in a soft, steady rhythm, and the floor beneath Althea’s feet vibrated just enough to remind her they were moving—high, high above the world.

  This was the calmest moment she’d had since arriving in Roland.

  The ship hummed softly around them, its runic engines shifting colors in a slow rhythm—deep blue, then pale silver, then back again. The crew moved quietly and professionally, almost graceful in the way they checked equipment and adjusted course. Everything about the Starlance radiated calm.

  The ship dipped slightly, smoothly adjusting altitude. Althea didn’t feel it as a jolt—more like a gentle nudge. The whole vessel radiated calmness.

  Althea leaned against one of the long crystal windows, watching the clouds lazily swirl below them.She pressed her palm against the window. A cool breeze-like sensation pulsed through the glass as the runic engines changed color from soft blue to pale silver.

  The view below slowly shifted, patches of mountains rising through the mist, carved with ancient stone lines that glowed faintly. It looked peaceful… yet powerful. For once, she didn’t feel like she had to run. Or hide. Or heal someone. It was just… peaceful.

  Lyssa walked up beside her, arms crossed casually. “Not bad, huh?”

  “It feels unreal,” Althea said. “I keep expecting something to explode.”

  Keal laughed softly. “Let’s not jinx it.”

  They had barely settled into a quiet rhythm when a tall figure approached down the corridor—the steady tap of boots echoing lightly.

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  He wore a long navy coat, trimmed with silver lines that pulsed faintly as he moved. His hair was tied back in a sleek white knot, and his calm expression had the kind of confidence only someone who lived in the skies could have.

  “Passengers,” he greeted warmly, stopping before them. “I’m Captain Aeron Valis of the Starlance.”

  Althea straightened. “I’m Althea. These are my friends, Keal and Lyssa.”

  Aeron’s eyes sparkled kindly. “I trust your journey has been smooth?”

  Lyssa replied instantly. “Smoother than anything we’ve traveled on lately.”

  Aeron chuckled. “Good to hear. This vessel was built for comfort, not speed. She’s an old model but extremely reliable.”

  Keal blinked. “Old? She looks perfectly new.”

  “She’s been restored,” the captain said with pride. “We maintain her meticulously.”

  Althea glanced around. The polished floors, glowing lantern crystals, and steady hum of the engines made the Starlance feel safe—like a sanctuary above the troubled world below.

  Aeron continued, “We’ll be entering Netheron territory by early tomorrow. The atmospheric layers there are dense, but nothing this vessel can’t handle.”

  Althea nodded, curiosity rising. “What’s Netheron like?”

  Aeron paused, then gave a mild smile. “A place of many wonders and many layers. You’ll see.”

  Lyssa shifted slightly. Althea noticed her eyes flick away, as if she knew more than she wanted to say—but she stayed quiet.

  Althea almost asked, but something about Lyssa’s posture told her not to push.

  Aeron clasped his hands behind his back. “If you need anything, my crew and I are at your service. Enjoy the calm skies while you can.”

  With a courteous nod, he walked down the corridor, his coat flowing behind him like a banner of authority.

  When he was gone, Keal let out a low whistle.

  “He seems… important.”

  “He is,” Lyssa said. “Captains of sky vessels aren’t average people.”

  Althea watched the clouds drift outside again. The peace of the moment wrapped around her gently—warm, steady, soothing.

  No threats.

  No mysterious figures.

  Just a quiet ship, a peaceful sky, and two companions she trusted more than she expected to.

  And she let herself enjoy it—because deep inside, she knew peace never lasted long in a world like this.