Chapter 28: Whispers of the Past

The rhythmic sound of the carriage wheels over the uneven path was accompanied by the faint chirping of birds. Emma's eyes darted to the window, where she saw a flurry of colorful wings flitting between the jagged mountain peaks. The birds' vibrant feathers caught the sunlight, glimmering like scattered jewels against the rocky backdrop. Their songs created a lively melody, but Emma's thoughts wandered far from the present.

Her mind lingered on the story her mother had shared about the Deformation Period—the cataclysmic war between gods and otherworldly beings that had reshaped the world.

What must that era have been like? she wondered. Were humans even around back then? If they were, could they have contributed to the gods' fight?

The questions swirled in her mind like a storm. The idea of humans standing alongside gods seemed both awe-inspiring and improbable. She doubted they could have rivaled the strength of such celestial beings. But what if they had? she thought. What if there were stories left untold, fragments of history lost to time?

Lost in thought, she barely noticed her mother glancing at her. Vivian's perceptive eyes softened as she caught the curiosity flickering across Emma's face.

"Another question, I see?" her mother said with a knowing smile.

Emma chuckled softly, nodding. "Did humans exist during the war between the gods and the otherworldly beings?" she asked, her white eyes alight with curiosity.

Vivian leaned back slightly, considering the question. "From what I've read," she began, "the records don't mention humans participating in that war. If they had existed at the time, I believe their involvement would have been noted. Don't you agree?"

Emma nodded slowly, her thoughts shifting as she replied. "Yes, I think so. But if humans were around, maybe they would've joined the fight. Even then, I don't think they would've survived—humans don't have the strength to rival a god, after all."

Her mother smiled, her expression both proud and amused. "Your father was right," she said with a playful smirk. "You really are going to become a scientist someday."

Emma grinned but kept her thoughts to herself. If becoming a scientist helps me understand this world better, then why not?

As the carriage continued its steady pace, Emma turned back to the window. She scanned the rugged landscape, hoping to catch sight of something extraordinary. Her gaze wandered over the jagged rocks and sparse patches of grass that clung stubbornly to the mountainsides. The air seemed cooler here, the shadows cast by the cliffs growing longer as the sun began its descent.

Her musings were interrupted by the driver's voice, firm and serious. "Best keep your head inside, kid. The road ahead isn't safe for wandering eyes."

Emma glanced at her mother, who nodded in agreement.

"I was about to tell you the same thing," Vivian said, her tone matching the driver's seriousness.

"Why? Where are we passing through?" Emma asked, her curiosity piqued.

Her mother hesitated for a moment before replying, her voice almost a whisper.

"The Dome of the Wyvern."