South : Beside The Sky Novel Novels & Stories

She was barely able to keep herself conscious, giving in to her need to rest, she fell back to sleep once more. Sky found a small clearing that led to a beautiful lake, surrounded by the natural meadow. It looks like she had stumbled on the place by chance as it was clearly cut off from the rest of the forest. The unnatural growth of so many floras seemed to act like a barrier which everyone avoided; Sky had somehow found this beautiful place. The flowers and fields were like scenery painted by a professional painter. The canopy of trees surrounding the area was surreal; it allowed small rays of sunlight to filter through a few pocket holes in the shades, making it more scenic.

"The leader often talks about you. He says you're the most gifted student he's ever had." … Two months flew by, and life at the institute was simple but rewarding. Day in and day out, we dove deep into scholarly debates with the team. With me on board, we managed to push the project forward by a whole year, a new record for the institute, the leader proudly announced. Sunny had transformed from the timid junior she once was into my right-hand woman. We shared that unspoken bond, often understanding each other's thoughts with just a glance. Thanks to the dedicated care of the nurses and doctors, Grandpa finally came around.

It felt as though, in those long moments while we’d been touching, the sun had disappeared behind the clouds, only for it to resurface as soon as I’d broken free. “There was something off about her,” I said, resuming my walk around the clearing. It was beautiful, even in the marred sunset. I could only imagine how it would look at the party, strung with lights, glowing orange and burgundy through the crisp leaves. “I’ll have another look in the book later. There might be something in there that points to her.” “That’s a good idea,” murmured Skye, suddenly close behind me. I jumped, and then shook my head at myself. “You okay?” He whispered.

She squinted her eyes. *gasp*... A person? Damn is that another? She asked as her eyes widened. She pointed at them in the sky. They were moving incredibly fast. She saw flashes of lights from the figures in the sky. A bright light was going from one towards the other while the other person dodged and raised a counter attack, sending a red beam of light. It was like watching a movie for Mia. Everything seemed so when she suddenly realized that they were fighting. Right above her head a fight was going on. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.

“Not me. Not this time.” Lucien stepped beside Selena, his sword now faintly glowing in response to the pulse of the Spiral still alive in her chest. “If it’s not her… then what the hell is it?” he asked. A low rumble answered, not from the earth, but from the sky itself. The stars peeled away, revealing not darkness—but a second sky, colder and infinite, layered beneath the one they’d always known. It stared back at them.

The elders bow, but Atticus remains leaning on his cane, bobbing his head instead. It doesn’t take me that long to walk through the city. It’s nearly morning now, and the market is nearly empty, only steaming stalls and air spiced with coal. I shift, my simple cloak shredding into ribbons as my wings expand then pull in tight. I power through the heavy clouds toward the peak where my palace comes into startling view against the sunrise. The thick rain clouds hug the mountains just below the windows sticking out of the rock. I might actually see the sun today.

“Alright, you win. Maybe I’m a little predictable.” “Not predictable.” Sienna leaned forward. “Reliable. It’s different.” “You make me want to be better, Sienna.” Enzo said softly. “That’s not something I’m used to.” The mood shifts as Enzo stood and walked to the balcony. Sienna follows, the cool night air brushed against her skin. The city lights twinkled in the distance, a stark contrast to the dark world they inhabit. Sienna stood beside him. “It’s beautiful out here.”

Chapter 45 ***Few days later*** The early morning started with a soothing breeze. The sun, a pale ghost, hung low on the horizon, a misplaced ember trying to ignite a sky already pregnant with rain. It wasn't the fiery farewell of a sunset, but the somber greeting of a nascent dawn. The grey of the sky deepened, a charcoal canvas promising a downpour that would wash the city clean, leaving everything shimmering and new. Inside, Suzanne erupted from sleep, a coiled spring released. The somber sky held no sway over her inner landscape. Today was the day. Veritas Corp's new branch, her branch, was opening.

Sophia’s smile disappeared. A second sentence appeared. “And someone there is waiting for Seraphina.” Lucien looked at her. “That’s not good.” Sophia closed the book. “No.” Then the book opened again. One final sentence appeared: “THE FIRST DAUGHTER HAS ENTERED A WORLD WHERE EVEN THE AUTHOR CANNOT WRITE.” Sophia stared. Far beyond the outer universe Seraphina stepped onto an unfamiliar planet. The sky was purple. Three moons hung above her. She looked around. “Beautiful.”

I squinted and gave the bomb expert a half-smile. "There’s no need to waste time with words.” "Just do your thing, and quick." He nodded and got down to business with his tools. I licked my back teeth. Great. Now of all times I was dying for a smoke. The afternoon in Safrana? It was blazing hot. I had been standing in the blazing sun for what felt like an eternity, and it seemed like the sun was trying to cook me alive.