In the next few days, Oriana and Arlan finally reached Agartha. Oriana, exhausted from the journey, found strength with Snowflake by her side.
"Finally, we are here," Yorian announced, as they faced the dense forest and the rocky walls beyond, giving the impression that the land ended there.
"I don’t see anything," Oriana murmured, standing by Arlan’s side, her small hand enveloped in his.
Yorian flicked his fingers, and the world around them changed in a heartbeat. Gone was the ordinary, replaced by a realm straight out of a fairy tale. They stood at the edge of a vast, magical land brimming with life and color.
Before them spread a landscape of lush greenery, shimmering under the golden glow of the sun. In the distance, majestic mountains rose, their peaks gently caressed by delicate, wispy clouds. Waterfalls cascaded gracefully from the heights, their clear waters feeding into winding rivers that sparkled like liquid crystal.
Flowery fields unfurled in every direction, a living tapestry of vibrant blooms swaying in a gentle breeze. Butterflies, their wings a kaleidoscope of colors, danced through the air, adding to the enchantment. Birds sang sweet, harmonious melodies, filling the air with their joyous chorus.
Small, wild animals darted here and there, their playful antics adding a touch of whimsy to the scene. It was as if all the colors and emotions of the world had come together in this one magical place, creating a perfect symphony of beauty and wonder.
Oriana, tired of the endless white snowy mountains from the past few days, felt her eyes finally relax at the sight of this vibrant landscape. She feared she might soon forget how the world looked with all its colors. She felt like stepping inside a living painting, a world far contrast with world of humans.
"Am I dreaming?" Oriana asked, letting go of Arlan’s hand and walking ahead.
Arlan, equally surprised, had never expected such a beautiful place to be hidden away from the world. Despite traveling the entire continent with Drayce, he had never found this place. It seemed the king of Agartha had truly protected it well, making it undiscoverable unless allowed.
"We are in Agartha," Yorian confirmed.
"Can I stay here forever?" Oriana couldn’t help but ask.
Yorian chuckled. "Of course, as long as the King of Agartha and the council members have no objections to keeping another Dragon and his mate here."
"I will go ahead," Sierra spoke, then disappeared from sight.
"In just a few steps, how can there be such a drastic change in view and weather? I no longer feel cold," Oriana asked, bewildered.
"The atmospheric conditions here are maintained by magic within a protective shield, making this place habitable. Without it, Agartha would be buried under snow," Yorian explained.
"Creating a different world using powers like this is something I could never have imagined."
"Being supernatural has its perks. King Draven and other powerful supernaturals contributed their powers to create it."
"You too?" Oriana asked.
"Of course."
Just then, two winged men landed in front of them, startling Oriana. Her eyes widened at the sight of the half-naked, well-built males whose large wings stirred the air like a miniature storm. Their majestic blue wings folded behind them as they bowed to the group.
"High Elf Yorian," they greeted.
Yorian accepted the greeting with a nod and turned to the astonished Oriana. "They are members of the Divine Eagle Clan. They patrol the kingdom from the sky and keep an eye on everything happening around."
"When you told me about them, I didn’t really believe you," Oriana commented.
The two winged men dropped to their knees, bowing deeply to Arlan and Oriana. "Divine Dragon, and Queen of Witches, Your Eminence, please accept our greetings."
Oriana was taken aback, while Arlan remained unfazed. As the superior Divine Beast Dragon, he knew that other divine beasts were bound to submit to him. The beast within him instinctively considered them lower in status; this was the natural order within the beast clans.
"Rise," Arlan commanded, and the two winged men promptly obeyed.
"You two can leave. I will escort the guests to the palace," Yorian instructed, and the two eagles departed.
Oriana turned to Arlan. "You can command them even though this is your first time here, and it’s not your kingdom?"
"I am superior to them. If they don’t submit, they are challenging my authority as the superior divine beast. In that case, I would have to show them their place," Arlan replied.
"Do you look down on them?" Oriana asked.
"Not me, but the beast inside me. It’s instinctual and unchangeable."
"Well, I don’t mind if my husband is superior," she chuckled with pride.
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