Page 25 of Unseen Eye
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, my eyes trailing the faint trails of light left behind by the floating lanterns. Theair is alive with the scent of aged parchment and a hint of wildflowers, as though the very knowledge stored here has roots in something ancient and untamed. A soft laugh escapes me as I spot a ladder scooting along a shelf on its own, pausing as if to wait for someone to climb it.
“This… is incredible,” I whisper, stepping further in. The air feels alive, buzzing faintly against my skin. The shelves almost seem to lean in as I pass, their contents rustling like trees caught in a gentle breeze.
Leigh watches me with an amused glint in her eye. “You’re welcome to come here anytime you need a quiet retreat or want to lose yourself in a tale. I can even show you some hidden passages from the palace to make your way here unseen.”
I nod, my gaze caught on a trail of tiny footprints glowing faintly on the floor ahead of me, leading deeper into the library. They vanish as quickly as they appeared, leaving behind a faint wisp of golden light.
“What’s at the end of those?” I ask, half to myself.
Leigh chuckles softly. “That’s for the library to decide.”
My eyes drift around the room, eventually landing on a large map mounted on the west wall. Intrigued, I approach it, my fingers tracing the intricate details etched into the parchment.
The map reveals a diverse landscape: the northern region stretches out in a broad, rounded expanse, while the southern part is marked by jagged, spiked formations that hint at extremely mountainous terrain. Leigh joins me, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “This is Astermiri,” she says, pointing to the landmass. “Here in the north is our capital, where we are now.” She then directs my attention to the south. “These are the Silverpeak Mountains.” The range forms a dramatic, serrated line across the map, its peaks jutting sharply upward. “They’re awe-inspiring, especially in winter when the snow blankets them like a soft, shimmering veil.”
Leigh then gestures to the west. “This is the Azure Coast,” she says, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. “The beaches there are incredible—white sand that seems to glow under the sun, and the water… it’s like a thousand shades of blue all at once. You can’t help but feel at peace just looking at it.” She smiles, her eyes lighting up as if recalling a cherished memory. “It’s my favorite place to escape. There’s nothing like the sound of those waves and watching the sun dip below the horizon. You really have to see it to understand.”
Her finger travels to the center of the map. “Right here is the valley,” she says, her tone taking on a note of pride. “It’s the heart of Astermiri’s agriculture, with soil so rich and a climate so unique—thanks to the surrounding mountains—that crops thrive all year round. We even have a dedicated group of scholars who work tirelessly to improve the land and maximize its bounty. Their efforts ensure that the valley remains a model of agricultural excellence.”
She pauses, pointing to the northeast. “And this,” she whispers, her voice full of quiet awe, “is the Crystalwood Forest.” The trees shimmer as if dusted with crystal, their branches casting a soft, radiant glow that filters through the mist, making the entire forest seem like a dream brought to life. “They say the trees are enchanted, as old as the land itself. Stepping into the forest is like crossing into another world.”
As Leigh describes each place, I can almost see the landscape unfolding in my mind’s eye—the glittering peaks of the Silverpeak Mountains, the golden sands of the Azure Coast, the eerie beauty of the Crystalwood Forest. The images feel so real, so vivid, as if I’ve been there before. A nagging voice in the back of my mind whispers that these places aren’t just new to me—they’re familiar in a way that’s unsettling. I try to shake the feeling, but it lingers.
“It sounds incredible,” I murmur, my thoughts drifting to whatmight be hiding in that mystical forest. Then, without really thinking, I add smiling, “Kendry used to tell me tales of unicorns in a shining forest. Do they live there too?”
Leigh’s eyes widen with excitement. “They do,” she exclaims. “Though I’ve never seen one myself.”
Unicorns are real, got it.
Still smiling, Leigh continues, “And there’s so much more to discover. Here, we take education to heart—it’s not just about learning spells and reading ancient texts. It’s about finding out who you are and what you’re capable of. Every adolescent goes through academies where they sharpen their magical skills and dive deep into our history and culture. It’s intense, but it’s where you really see what you’re made of.”
She motions to the area nearby. “The Inkwell Institute is just a short walk from here. It’s where the most promising students are guided by some of our most accomplished scholars, including a few who’ve worked closely with my father. But don’t worry; it’s not all about prestige. We have smaller academies too, each with its own focus, so everyone can find their place and grow in their own way.”
I stare at the map a while longer, memorizing all the different locations until my eyes start to protest. Later, as Leigh and I walk back to my room, she keeps up a steady stream of comforting chatter. “It’s been quite a day, hasn’t it?” she says with a soft laugh. “Hopefully it wasn’t too overwhelming.”
I smile, appreciating her effort to keep the mood light. “It’s definitely different from Providence. I still can’t get over how lively everything is here.”
Leigh nods. “My father is eager to meet you. He’s been curious since Garet brought you here. I’m honestly surprised Garet held him off this long.”
I nod, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety about meeting the king. “I’ll be ready. At least, I hope so.”
Leigh squeezes my arm reassuringly. “You’ll be fine. Just be yourself. My father might seem intimidating, but he’s fair and kind once you get to know him.”
We reach my room, and I notice Emmet standing near his post, giving us one of his lopsided smiles as we pass. “Hi, Emmet,” I say, returning his grin. “Please tell me you weren’t stuck here all day.”
“No, ma’am, I just returned a few minutes ago,” he replies. “I wanted to make sure I was here when Lady Leigh came back with you.”
“I still don’t understand why I need a guard,” I say, turning my attention back to Leigh. “Surely there’s something more exciting poor Emmet could be doing.”
“It’s just a precautionary measure for now,” Leigh starts, as Emmet chimes in with, “No problem at all, ma’am.”
Leigh turns to me with a warm smile. “Get some rest. You’ve had a long day, and tomorrow will be another.”
“Can’t wait,” I mutter, still not entirely sure how I feel about meeting the king.
With a final nod, Leigh bids me goodnight, locking the door behind her yet again. As I lay back against the pillows, the events of the day swirl around in my mind, a whirlwind of new experiences and unanswered questions.
Chapter Ten
