Page 23 of Unseen Eye
Leigh watches me with a curious expression. “How is it?”
“It’s good,” I reply, managing a small smile and another sip, even though it feels like I’m betraying Kendry’s memory. “Thanks for the clothes,” I add, glancing at the bundle she brought. “And the coffee.”
“You’re welcome,” she says, placing the clothes on the chair beside the bed. “I thought you might want to freshen up first.”
“I appreciate it, Leigh.”
She gives me a reassuring smile, which does absolutely nothing to ease my nerves. “Take your time. The bathing chamber is through the door on the right. It’s enchanted to giveyou hot water when you turn the handle.”
I blink in surprise, my brain still catching up. “Enchanted? You mean, like... magic?”
Leigh nods, her smile widening. “Yes, exactly. It’s quite convenient, especially in the colder months. Just turn the handle, and the water will be hot instantly.”
My mind races at the thought. I’d read about enchantments in books, but to actually experience it firsthand? “That’s amazing,” I breathe, my fascination momentarily overriding the low-level panic I’ve been living with.
Leigh chuckles softly. “It’s one of the small luxuries we enjoy here. Go ahead and try it. I’ll be back in a little while and we can get some breakfast.”
She leaves the room, and this time, I don’t miss the sound of the lock clicking into place. Perfect. A locked door—just what every girl dreams of when waking up in a strange place. With a sigh, I make my way to the door on the right, my curiosity piqued despite the circumstances. Opening it, I step into a beautifully tiled bathing chamber. The walls are lined with intricate mosaics depicting serene landscapes, giving the room an aura that’s too enchanting for my current mood.
I approach the large, claw-footed tub, my gaze drawn to the handle Leigh had mentioned. It looks unassuming, like any ordinary faucet, yet knowing it’s enchanted lends it a quiet, mysterious power. With a steadying breath, I turn the handle. Hot water instantly rushes out, filling the room with a thick, swirling steam.
I can’t help but smile, caught off guard by the sheer luxury of it. Who knew that something as simple as an endless supply of hot water could feel like such a miracle?
As the tub fills, I undress and step into the hot water, sighing in relief as it soothes my sore muscles. The tension from the past few days starts to melt away, replaced by a rare momentof tranquility. I take my time, enjoying the warmth and the novelty of the bath. My eyes drift to my forearm, and I notice that the marking on my forearm has spread further down. The intricate patterns and elegant scrolls have expanded, becoming even more detailed and elaborate.
After soaking in the comforting warmth, I step out, feeling rejuvenated and slightly less like the walking disaster I was before. I towel off and slip into the clothes Leigh brought for me. The garments are unlike anything I’ve worn before—soft, flowing fabric in shades of blue and silver. The blouse is adorned with delicate embroidery along the neckline, depicting intricate patterns that shimmer in the light. The trousers are loose and comfortable, cinched at the waist with a simple cord woven from threads of what looks like silver.
Once dressed, I quickly braid my hair, securing it with a piece of leather that matches the azure of my blouse. The braid falls neatly over my shoulder—practical and easy, just how I like it. I glance at myself in the mirror, noting that while Leigh might have healed my cuts, she couldn’t do much about the dark circles under my eyes. Those are here to stay, apparently.
Shortly after, Leigh reappears, practically bouncing with excitement. “Ready?” she exclaims, clearly not trying to hide her enthusiasm. I give her a nod, trying to match her energy, but it’s tough when you’re running on nerves and caffeine.
After breakfast, Leigh and I head out to explore Astermiri, starting with the gardens. As we walk, I can’t help but compare the surroundings to those of Providence. The differences are striking—like night and day.
In Providence, the gardens are modest and functional, filled with herbs and vegetables necessary for daily life. The plants are tended with care, but there’s a practicality to their arrangement, a reflection of the hardworking people who cultivate them. No frills, just what’s needed to survive.
Astermiri’s gardens are an explosion of color and life, a testament to the beauty and indulgence that comes when survival isn’t a daily concern. Here, it seems, when you don’t have to think about your next meal, you can afford to cultivate a paradise. I’m greeted by vibrant flower beds arranged with artistic precision, creating a breathtaking kaleidoscope of hues. Roses of every imaginable shade climb trellises, their petals soft and fragrant. Flowers I’ve only ever read about—orchids, hibiscus, and others—bloom in curated clusters, each one more stunning than the last. It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder if they have a full-time team to keep it so immaculate—or maybe a few spells to keep the weeds from daring to show their faces.
The paths wind through a meticulously curated garden, where neatly trimmed hedges frame the landscape. Elegant marble statues are strategically placed along the paths, each one depicting figures with intricate detailing: a graceful nymph with outstretched arms, a stoic warrior in mid-stride, and a serene goddess with flowing robes. The fountains are masterfully crafted, their basins carved with lavish patterns. Water cascades from the mouths of sculpted lions into crystal-clear pools below, their gentle splashes creating a soothing symphony. The garden’s tranquil ambiance almost makes you forget you’re imprisoned in a magical kingdom—almost.
As I take it all in, I can’t help but feel a mix of awe and a bit of that dry skepticism creeping in. Sure, it’s beautiful, but it’s also a stark reminder of just how far from home I am. Providence is practical, real—Astermiri is something out of a storybook, and right now, I’m not sure which world I belong to.
Leigh guides me down a winding path, pointing out her favorite spots with the enthusiasm of a tour guide. “This part here,” she says, gesturing to a secluded nook surrounded by lilac bushes, “is my favorite place to read. It’s so peaceful, don’t youthink?”
I nod, taking in the serenity of the scene. “It’s beautiful. Definitely a change from what I’m used to.”
Leigh’s smile widens, as if she’s heard this comparison a million times. “Providence has its own kind of beauty, I’m sure. But here in Astermiri, we like to indulge in the finer things. The gardens are a perfect example of that.”
We continue our walk, and Leigh shows me a small pond filled with koi fish, their bright scales flashing beneath the water’s surface. “The gardens aren’t just for show,” she explains. “They’re a place for people to come and find a moment of peace. We often have gatherings here, especially during the spring and summer months.”
I pause by the edge of the pond, watching the fish swim lazily. “It’s all so... grand,” I say softly. “I never imagined a place like this.”
Leigh laughs lightly. She leads me to a stone bench under a canopy of wisteria. “And this,” she says, “is where we can sit and take it all in.”
As we sit, I breathe in the sweet scent of the flowers around us, feeling a moment of calm. The beauty and tranquility of the gardens are a stark contrast to the tension and fear I’ve been grappling with. For a moment, I let myself relax, savoring the illusion of peace.
After we leave the gardens, Leigh guides me through a series of archways draped in climbing ivy, leading us into another part of the city. The sound of water from the fountains fades into the distance, replaced by the bustling noises of the city center.
We step onto brick-lined streets with quaint yet elegant shops. Each storefront is meticulously maintained, their windows showcasing a variety of goods—from exquisite jewelry to finely crafted garments. Street vendors are dotted along the way, their stalls brimming with colorful fruits, paintings, and handmadetrinkets. The air is filled with a blend of enticing scents: freshly baked goods, blooming flowers, and the faintest hint of incense.
