Chapter 7: Strangers in a New Home

Arrival in Sky City

The air in Sky City was crisp and fresh, different from the thick, damp air of the Lowlands. Cedric stood at the edge of the platform, looking down. The world below was distant, covered in clouds. It felt like he had been taken to another world entirely.

The survivors were gathered in a grand courtyard made of white stone. High above, glowing blue crystals floated in the air, casting a soft light over the area. Around them, High Humans moved gracefully, wearing flowing robes, their movements elegant and controlled.

The leader who had greeted them earlier stepped forward. His silver hair shone under the light.

"My name is Lord Veymar," he said, his voice calm but firm. "You are now guests of Sky City, but understand this—your old lives are gone. Here, you will follow our rules."

Murmurs spread among the survivors.

A man in the crowd, one of the elders from the village, stepped forward. "We are grateful for your help, but… what are these rules?"

Veymar's expression remained unreadable. "You are Low Humans. You will be assigned housing, food, and work. But you will not walk freely in our city. You will stay in the Lower District unless summoned elsewhere."

Ciara clenched her fists. "So… we're prisoners?"

Veymar's sharp eyes turned to her. "Prisoners? No. Protected citizens."

Cedric remained silent, watching. He had expected something like this. The High Humans saw themselves as superior, and they wouldn't welcome Low Humans as equals.

Veymar continued, "A guide will take you to your new homes. Rest. Tomorrow, you will be given your duties."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving no room for argument.

A New Home

A group of guards led the survivors through the city. Cedric's eyes darted around, taking everything in. The streets were made of polished stone, and floating lanterns hung in the air. Buildings stretched high, some connected by glowing bridges.

But as they walked, Cedric noticed something.

The High Humans avoided them.

They moved aside when the group passed, their expressions ranging from curiosity to disgust. Some whispered, while others simply ignored them.

Cedric tightened his jaw. He already felt like an outsider.

Eventually, they reached a section of the city that looked… different. The buildings were smaller, simpler, and lacked the beauty of the rest of Sky City.

"This is the Lower District," one of the guards said. "Your homes are here. Food will be provided at the main hall each morning and evening. Do not leave this area without permission."

The guards left, and the survivors slowly scattered, exploring their new homes.

Cedric and Ciara were given a small house made of gray stone. Inside, there were two small beds, a wooden table, and a single window that overlooked a narrow street.

It wasn't bad, but it wasn't home.

Ciara sat on one of the beds, hugging her knees. "I don't like this."

Cedric sat on the other bed, staring at the ceiling. "Neither do I."

She turned to him. "Cedric… what do we do now?"

He was quiet for a moment before answering. "We wait. We watch. And we find out the truth about this place."

A Lesson in Power

The next morning, a bell rang through the Lower District, signaling the start of the day.

The survivors were gathered at the main hall, where a High Human stood waiting. He was younger than Veymar but had the same cold confidence.

"My name is Elias, and I will explain your roles here," he said. "Some of you will be assigned to cleaning, others to farming, and some to construction. You are expected to work hard. There is no room for laziness in Sky City."

A man in the crowd raised his hand. "And if we refuse?"

Elias's expression didn't change. "Then you will be removed."

Silence filled the room. No one asked what "removed" meant.

Cedric narrowed his eyes. The High Humans had saved them, but now they owned them.

Elias continued, "There are also rules. Never speak to a High Human unless spoken to. Never enter restricted areas. And above all—never challenge our authority."

Then, as if to prove his point, he lifted his hand.

A faint golden glow surrounded it, and suddenly, the man who had spoken earlier was lifted off the ground, choking.

Gasps filled the hall. The man's face turned red as he struggled.

Elias held him there for a few seconds before lowering his hand. The glow disappeared, and the man collapsed, coughing violently.

"That," Elias said, "was a lesson in respect."

No one said another word.

The Hidden Power of Cedric

Later that evening, Cedric sat outside, staring at the sky.

He had barely spoken all day, but inside, he was angry.

The High Humans treated them like lesser beings. But Cedric knew the truth. He was not weak.

He was the Monarch of Light.

Even if his power was sealed in this human body, he could still feel it. And if there was one thing he knew for certain…

He would not be their prisoner forever.

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