The library was much bigger than Mirya had expected. It was a round room, and every side of the room was bookshelves all the way to the roof, which was like a glass dome.

"Take a seat." Whispers meowed, gesturing to a red cushioned chair.

Wyatt took a seat next to the one Whispers had pointed to.

"Okay." Mirya sat in the chair and sighed.

"Be prepared for some shocks," the white tom-cat warned.

"O-okay."

"This isn't the world you grew up in."

"I think I know that," she pointed out.

"No, I mean like a different... place completely. Not on the same world."

"Not on Earth?"

"Well... that part is more confusing to explain. But for now, just the things you need to know to live here."

"Continue."

"So, right now we are in the Kingdom of Cetey. But the Iths originally lived in the Ithlondern League, and they didn't believe that there where more places like their land. But then and Ith found this place, and now a lot more Iths live here. There's also another land called Cloud. But it's a lot smaller than Cetey or Ithlondern, so they're no threat. You'll learn more about the history of this place soon. But for now, I have to explain why you're here. You're not human. You're an Ith."

Those last words were so simple, but Mirya found it hard to understand. "I'm... an Ith."

"Yes."

"That's understandable."

"I know. But now you need to know more about Iths. Iths are like humans, but they can live way longer- not thousands of years longer, but a few hundred. They also each can control a different element. Some can control water, and some wind. And some fire."

"I can control plants and stuff like that." Wyatt- who had been sitting there quietly, added.

"Does that mean... I'll get to control an element?"

"I'm not sure." Whispers admitted. "Most Iths get their ability at the age of ten... and you're almost fifteen. So if you'd get one, this'd be the latest any-Ith as ever gotten it- but it's still possible."

"So, a few hours ago I was a normal teen exploring a forest, and now I'm an Ith, who might be able to control an element, and lives in a different world completely... huh. My family would think I'm crazy."

"They would." Wyatt agreed. "Waylon and Annika's parents did."

"Who're Waylon and Annika?"

"They're... my friends. You'll meet them soon. And then we can let them tell you their story."

"I have to go. Wyatt, what about you?" Whispers asked.

"Oh yea... I forgot I skipped school... oops. I'd better get going." He stood up and headed to the door. "It was nice meeting you, Mirya."

Mirya smiled, nodding.

"And I must go too." Whispers padded through the open door. "But don't worry," he turned to look at her again. "I'll be back later."

Then Mirya was alone.

A crash from the entrance made her stand quickly. She headed out cautiously, not knowing what to expect.

"Hello?" She called.

"Hi."

The delicate voice came from behind her, making her jump.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

Mirya turned around and saw that it was a teen girl- older than Mirya though.

"It's fine," Mirya told her. "I get spooked easily."

"Don't tell that to my brother- he loves teasing." The girl pulled her fiery ginger hair back, revealing her light blue eyes. "My name is Annika."

"Mirya," Mirya nodded. "And what're you doing here?"

"I'm just here to say hi. Wyatt told me that you had finally come, so I came to meet you."

"O-okay."

"Oh- and he told me to show you where to get changed. Over here." Annika lead Mirya to the second floor, and to the left side of the railing, opening the first door. "Here it is." She rushed into the room.

Mirya followed at a slower pace, blinking hard when she saw all the wardrobes, dressers and closets.

The stuff in here should fit you." Annika open the wardrobe four down. "And I'll leave you to change."

When the door clicked shut, Mirya went to look. It wasn't hard to decide. They were all fancy dresses. But when she saw the one mostly-plain dark-green dress, she picked it.

"That color looks really good on you," Annika said when Mirya came out.

"Thanks."

"Now... would you like to see Umrion?"

She didn't wait for Mirya to answer. She walked towards the door that lead to the balcony and swung it open.

"That is Umrion."

From that point of view it looked like that mansion had been built on the edge of a cliff. The stone railings were built around the entire deck.

Mirya walked to the edge of the deck to get a better look. It was beautiful. There was a big river flowing a bit farther away in the gorge, and it flowed right to a city- probably Umrion, then split in two, one side flowing right through the city, and the other one went in a cave and disappeared.

She stood there for a few moments, the wind whipping her hair in all directions.

"We're gonna bring you there later today- once Whispers and Wyatt come back," Annika moved beside her.

Mirya thought for a second. "Maybe I will like it here."

"You will. Trust me."

Here is the link to the guide, so you all can finally see what all these characters look like! ➡️

And all of the art that'll be used in this book is ai generated.