Veilstone City Novels & Stories

Back in Karthir, the False Bloom Variax began to rupture. Those near it felt sick drained, empty, twisted with confused dreams. It was broadcasting a corrupted echo of the gray seed’s first tone. But it couldn’t replicate intent. The Veil wrights attempted to reinforce its casing with silent stone and inert runes but the bloom rebelled. Not out of will but because it was never alive to begin with. Then, without warning, one of the nearby real blooms far to the east in the ancient city of Norvel screamed. Not in fear. In rejection.

It took one more day to get to the city. Varethyl sat on the mountain with its tall spires stretching up to the stars. The buildings shone in white and gold but there were no torches lit. Everything sparkled with a light from within. There were no streets in the city; instead there were crystal walkways that changed when people walked on them. And silence. Too much silence. As they entered through the central gate, Aelin noticed the eyes on them. People watched from windows, balconies and rooftops. They were not friendly but they were not aggressive. Curious. Wary.

It was a sign that we had to move to the field immediately. We quickly left the room to join the ranks. Chaz ordered us all to be quiet and check our weapons. As usual, I always brought my crossbow and rifle. After the assignment, my squad, squad four, had to explore an area called Windstone. The coldest and loneliest area in the west of York bordered by the Greenleaves forest, and if you walked further south, you would see the ruins of Willeth. There were no humans living in this area due to its poor condition, and even animals were rarely seen in this place.

Tristan asked. "I have a man to meet first in Hailborne City," Kael replied. The skies had grown darker as they arrived in the huge city, surrounded by highly fortified walls. Hailborne City was located at the western province of Glacia. And although it had only sheltered less population compared to Casterfall City, its land territory was massive. They stopped at the gatehouse of the city. Above them hung the banner of Hailborne; a crescent moon with a white wolf below.

“You mean this whole place is created by those relics?” “Correct. Many thieves, treasure hunters, and others have tried to steal these relics. I have always guarded it ever since the Scarlett King sank this ancient city. So that none can use the relics’ power. The building you see is a place of prayer for the sun god and also a vault.” “Who the hell makes a church a vault?” Matthew asked. “If you wish to retrieve the relics, I will allow it. Otherwise, destroy them.” Falynx said. Matthew was perplexed. “Why? Assuming it's been centuries since this place sank, you’ve also been guarding it for that long too.”

Melvin led the way while Caspian and Willow followed behind him. They, too, wanted to see the scenery in Veiled Dragon Bay. Veiled Dragon Bay was situated by the mountains and water, with beautiful scenery. Combined with man-made creations and decorations, it felt like a paradise. It was an excellent choice for Galecrest's headquarters. Afterward, they arrived at Bluestone Square. At this point, it was filled with more than ten thousand people. "Mr. Lynch, this is the main hall of Galecrest!" Melvin pointed to a group of buildings not far away.

“My Liege, I’ve confirmed it. The Bloodveil Orchid is within the McCall family villa, located in Grayvale,” a Hell Guard said respectfully to Dustin at the security booth outside the Creative Arts Corporation building. Yesterday’s tension at the Riley family villa ended on an oddly subdued note. Though Shawna remained suspicious, she chose not to press the matter. Dustin had since resumed his unassuming role as a security guard. The Bloodveil Orchid was an extra ingredient needed to make the antidote to Irene’s poisoning.

--- **The Veil** The Veil is a place of shadows and whispers, where the air hums with the energy of the unseen. The twins walk ahead, their glow cutting through the darkness. Kael’s ghostly form leads the way, his presence a quiet reassurance. “Why are we here?” Zara asks, her voice tight with unease. “To understand,” Kael says. “The twins’ powers are tied to the Veil. They need to learn to harness it.” Silas stops, his silver eyes narrowing. “What’s that?”

Learn. And then the beast vanished. It was sudden, almost imperceptible, leaving only the echo of its movement and the lingering scent of blood. The forest fell silent again, but the danger didn’t feel gone. Evelyn’s knees buckled, and Kael caught her, holding her steady. Her gaze darted around the shadows, searching, and there—behind a thick cluster of oaks—two crimson eyes glimmered one final time before disappearing completely into the darkness. “Did… did it leave?” Jonah breathed, voice shaky.

He wouldn't show them a ledger or a screen; he would show them the living bone of the city. The trip to the construction site of the new Valenti Tower was unlike any outing they had ever taken. There were no silk dresses or polished shoes today. Amara dressed the children in sturdy denim and heavy boots, and even Aegis was fitted with a specialized working-dog vest, though he seemed more interested in the new smells than his "official" status. ​As the SUV climbed the winding roads toward the city’s rising skyline, the children pressed their faces to the glass. ​"Look, Papa! It’s a giant's ribcage!" Lorenzo shouted, pointing at the massive, exposed steel girders of the skyscraper that pierced