city of veils

Josh ran.

Again.

The dirt path turned into smooth stone beneath his feet. Ahead, Kaen rode his Carter through the crowd like a noble in disguise, grinning.

They entered a city bursting with life—tall stone buildings, glowing lanterns suspended midair, and the hum of Magi-Wheelers zipping by. These magical three-wheeled transports glided above the ground, powered by glowing mana crystals.

Josh stopped mid-run, jaw slack.

"Whoa…"

Floating platforms carried goods across rooftops. Children played with rune-bouncing balls. Street vendors shouted from stalls with signs that floated above them, flashing deals in glowing text.

"Welcome to Zenithra," Kaen said casually, hopping off the Carter. "Home sweet home."

Josh gawked. "You live here?! This place looks like a magical kingdom!"

Kaen shrugged like it was no big deal. "Come on, don't make a scene."

They made their way to a gated district where guards bowed at Kaen without question.

Ahead stood a Skyglass Villa—a shimmering estate of white stone, reflective tiles, and floating garden lanterns. Water flowed down curved channels along the walls, glowing faintly blue.

Josh whispered, "This is your house?"

They entered.

"Mooom, I'm home! And I brought a guest!" Kaen called.

A moment later, a graceful woman appeared—tall, radiant, with long black hair braided with silver threads. Her eyes were warm but sharp, dressed in a flowing violet robe laced with symbols.

"Kaen!" she smiled. "You're filthy. And so is your friend."

She turned to Josh with a kind nod.

"Welcome, dear. You're safe here. Now go and get your showers. Lunch is already waiting."

Josh stiffened. "Y-yes ma'am!"

Kaen chuckled. "Relax. She yells a lot, but she's overly kind."

As they walked toward the bath halls, Josh asked, "You live in all this luxury, and you still ride around in a Carter?"

Kaen scratched his head. "Yeah… well, people only act friendly because of my dad's influence. The money. The name."

He glanced sideways.

"So… I disguised myself. Wanted to find someone real. You fit the description."

Josh blinked, unsure how to respond.

Then he smirked.

"Eww. Gross. Get outta here with that sentimental junk."

They laughed, splashing water from their baths before drying off and heading to the grand dining room.

---

Just as they were about to sit, the air shifted.

The room fell silent.

A man stepped in.

Tall. Dressed in a dark purple cloak, his hat casting a shadow over his face—the same man Josh had seen in the diner. And in the mist. Watching. Always watching.

Josh froze.

Kaen stood and smiled faintly.

"Good afternoon… Dad."

The woman gasped and rushed forward. "Darling, you're back!"

She kissed his cheek.

Josh stood awkwardly, bowing his head. "Sir… I'm Josh."

The man looked at him—long, sharp, knowing.

A slow smile curved beneath the shadow.

"So… this is the one."

The dining room buzzed with laughter as Josh and Kaen animatedly retold their journey—arms flailing, mouths full of food, and exaggerated sound effects echoing off the marble walls.

Kaen's dad, Mr. Starks, sat calmly at the head of the table, watching them with a faint smile, hands folded neatly.

Josh acted out the fire spell attack.

Kaen leapt from his chair mimicking Josh's mid-air punch.

Josh rolled his eyes. "That's not how I moved!"

Mr. Starks chuckled quietly. "Seems you both had quite the adventure."

After the meal, Josh and Kaen cleared the dishes and helped in the kitchen despite the maids offering to do it. Kaen insisted. "You'll sleep better after chores," he joked.

Kaen led Josh upstairs to a wide bedroom with soft gold lighting, a floating chandelier, and two massive beds split by a shelf of magical relics and books.

Kaen grinned. "Room's all set. Get comfy."

Night settled in, the sky beyond the window glowing deep indigo. The two boys lay back in silence for a moment, the rush of the past few days catching up to them.

Then Kaen broke it with a question.

"So… would you want to come with me to magic school tomorrow?"

Josh blinked. "Magic school? What's that?"

Kaen sat up straight in his bed, eyes wide. "Whaaaaaat? Are you serious?"

Josh shrugged. "Yeah. Never heard of it."

Kaen flopped back dramatically. "You mean to tell me… you fought trained magic students… without even knowing where they're from?"

Josh raised an eyebrow. "Wait—those guys from the diner?"

Kaen nodded. "Yep. Most of them were low-tier students from the magic academy. It's like a place where they train future warriors, sorcerers, enchanters... even tacticians."

Josh hesitated. "Sounds… expensive. I don't want to trouble your parents."

Kaen scoffed and clicked his tongue. "Tch. You really don't know who my dad is, do you?"

Josh looked confused.

Kaen smirked.

"He's one of the founders of the magic school."

Josh's eyes widened, lips parting but no words coming out.

Kaen yawned and turned to the side. "Trust me, we'll be fine. Get some sleep. You're gonna need it."

---

Later that night, the hallway lights dimmed.

Kaen's mom quietly creaked open the door, peeking in with a soft smile.

She stepped in and gently covered Kaen with his thick gray blanket, then moved to Josh's bed and draped his over him too.

Josh's eyes fluttered open slightly.

He didn't move.

The blanket's warmth embraced him, but it was the woman's soft, motherly presence that made his chest tighten.

He hadn't felt that in so long—not since…

His throat clenched.

He missed his mother.

He remained still, afraid that any motion would shatter the fragile memory blooming inside him.

The door closed softly.

And Josh—heart heavy but strangely comforted—finally drifted into sleep.