Chapter 26 Merliscire Palace

CASSANDRA

I peered up at the clock at the front of the car. The display read noon, and despite the ride being long, it seemed like it should have been much later.

When I peered out the window, a strange feeling formed in the pit of my stomach.

Merliscire Palace. It was just as magnificent as ever, with tall, pillars constructed of white marble that glinted with specks of gold, a surplus of long windows, and expansive balconies that gave a beautiful view of the perfectly-manicured grounds. The grass was a lustrous shade of emerald, and the driveways were paved in rich red brick.

At the front of the palace was an enormous gold fountain. It was in the shape of a wolf with its head raised high toward the moon. It had been crafted centuries ago and was meant to pay tribute to the Moon Goddess. The water splashed high into the air and shimmered on its way down.

Anemond may have been the source of my nightmares, but I couldn’t deny there was something beautiful and magical about the palace.