Crystal Storm (Falling Kingdoms #5)(35)

The artists stepped back from their work, smiling at each other and wiping the sweat off their brows.

Then, to Lucia’s surprise, they each took a golden-handled broom and began to sweep away the crystal shards, destroying their impressive work.

“What are they doing?” she exclaimed.

Mia just looked at her with a frown. “Clearing the space so they can begin again, of course.”

“Such a waste of a beautiful piece of artwork!”

“No, no. This is how it’s meant to be. It shows that everything that exists must one day change—but what is destroyed can be created again with patience and dedication.”

As Lucia pondered this, still disturbed that an incredible piece of beauty couldn’t be made to last, Mia took her to the group of immortals. Their eyes filled with hope at the sight of her, and they asked if she would like the honor of beginning the next mosaic. Lucia chose a handful of red crystals, as fine as sand, from a long golden tray. She sprinkled some in the center of the area, eyeing Mia to see if she’d done this correctly.

Mia smiled and clapped her hands. “Excellent. I’m sure you’ve now inspired them to make an incredible dedication to the fire Kindred.”

Lucia’s stomach sank at the thought that she’d unconsciously chosen red rather than any other color.

Well, of course I did, she thought. It has nothing to do with Kyan. It’s the color of Limeros.

“You must be hungry,” Mia said, leading Lucia to an outdoor courtyard where fruit hung heavily from the trees. Lucia looked around, realizing just how very hungry she was. She reached up to pluck a dark red apple from its branch. Mia did as well, taking a big bite out of the piece of fruit and prompting Lucia to do the same.

When she sank her teeth into the crisp skin, the taste of the apple made her eyes widen with shock. She’d never experienced anything so sweet, so pure, so delicious.

“This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted!” she said aloud, nearly giddy.

She devoured it quickly, having to force herself not to eat the core and seeds as well. As she boldly reached for another, she felt a sharp and unexpected twinge in her belly. She placed her hand over it and looked down, frowning.

“What was that?” she murmured.

“Are you all right?” Mia asked, concerned.

The twinge was only momentary, and Lucia shook it off. “I’m fine. Likely my stomach was just expressing gratitude for some food after so long.”

Lucia decided to take strength from this food, from the immortals who looked at her with hope rather than fear, and from the friendship of Timotheus and Mia, as she waited impatiently to return home.

It was impossible to judge the passing of days in a place where it was always light, but Lucia enjoyed two deep sleeps while she was in the Crystal City.

Then Timotheus had Mia bring her back to the tower. Lucia gripped her new friend’s hands. “Thank you for helping me.”

“No.” Mia shook her head, meeting Lucia’s gaze with such sincerity it nearly stole her breath. “Thank you for coming here. Thank you for being someone we can believe in. One day I know we will meet again.”

“I hope you’re right.” Lucia reluctantly released Mia and followed Timotheus into the crystal tower.

This time, the doors he guided her to slid open into a dark, cavernous place.

“We’re underground,” Lucia guessed.

“We are.”

She was about to ask another question when she saw something fifteen paces away, an object that glowed with violet light. As they drew closer to it, Lucia realized what it was.

“A monolith,” she gasped. “Like the one in the mountains.”

Timotheus nodded, his features shadowed by the uneven light. “There is one of these in each of the seven worlds—yours and mine being only two of them.”

“Seven?” Lucia’s gaze shot to his. “You’re saying that there are five more worlds beyond ours?”

“Your mathematical abilities are truly impressive.” He raised a brow. “Yes, seven worlds, Lucia. My kind was created to watch over these worlds before Damen destroyed everything we held dear. Now we only watch over your world.” His expression darkened at the mention of the truly evil immortal. “These monoliths were created to allow travel between the worlds. Damen drained that magic so he could easily walk between worlds at his whim. This destruction is what made the mountains void of life, and it’s the cause of your kingdom turning to ice and Paelsia turning to stone.”

Lucia stared at him as he delivered this gigantic piece of the mysterious puzzle of Mytica in a single breath. “Why, then, is Auranos still beautiful?”

“Because of the goddess they worshipped—that some still worship. The goddess who was once an elder like myself.”

“Cleiona.”

He nodded. “She managed to protect the kingdom she’d claimed while Valoria failed to do the same. Sometimes it seems as if it was only yesterday that I last saw them both. We’ve all lost so much, never again to be found . . .” Timotheus grimaced as he spoke of the goddesses. Then he blinked hard, as if to clear his mind. “You’ve been here long enough, Lucia. You must go now and attempt to stop Kyan.”

Lucia almost laughed at his consistently harsh tone. “I think I’ll miss your candor. And I’m not going to attempt to stop him, I will stop him.”