Thalos gave me a brief, knowing nod before we separated down opposite hallways, the echo of his heavy boots fading almost instantly in the sprawling hush of the Bastion. I walked alone toward the guest wing, past murals carved into the sandstone walls and the distant thrum of Sunhome in its nocturnal rhythm. My steps slowed as I approached Felkas’ room, if he was resting I didnt want to disturb him.
Iskri sensed me first. Even through the closed door, the sablehound’s ears pricked up, shadows shifting under the crack as he stood alert. When I stepped inside, the room greeted me with warm lamplight and soft desert-dyed blankets. Felkas sat perched on the edge of a wide cedar bed, shoulders drawn inward, his small fingers twisting nervously through a fold of cloth. The moment he noticed me, his posture stiffened like he was bracing for news he didn’t want to hear.
“It’s just me,” I said quietly, easing the tension.
Iskri padded forward and curled up beside him, resting his massive head on the boy’s knees. Felkas’ hand drifted instinctively into the sablehound’s mane, clinging to his lifeline. The poor kid looked exhausted—physically, emotionally, spiritually. No child should have to hold themselves together this hard.
“Am I… going back with you?” he asked. His voice was soft, hesitant, but the fear beneath it was unmistakable. He wasn’t afraid of the Dominion. He was afraid of being unwanted.
I sat down across from him, lowering myself deliberately to keep from towering over him. The floor here was warm, Sunhome stone always held heat.
“I need to talk to you about that,” I began. “And I need you to listen carefully.”
Felkas kept his eyes fixed on my face, readying himself for the worst.
“I think it might be better for you to stay here in Sunhome for a little while.”
His breath caught. He didn’t recoil, but everything in his posture tightened like a rope pulled taut.
“But hear me out,” I continued immediately. “This isn’t because you did something wrong. It isn’t because I don’t want you around. And it definitely isn’t because I’m leaving you behind.”
Iskri nosed gently against his arm, helping soften the blow.
“You’re safe here,” I said. “You have people your age. You have humans—or at least something close. You have sunlight, food, teachers, friends waiting to be made. My Dominion… doesn’t have that. Not for someone your age. My people don’t have a childhood. They don’t grow the way you do. They evolve, they mature instantly, they serve their roles—and that’s their whole world. I don’t want your world to be that.”
He swallowed hard, eyes glistening.
“And I,” I said more softly, “need to figure out what happened to your kingdom. To your tribe. To the people who sent you running for your life. I need to know who attacked your home. I need to know if your king is alive. And I can’t do any of that if I’m also worried that something may happen to you.”
Felkas’ voice cracked when he finally whispered, “…You’re not getting rid of me?”
The question hit harder than any attack I have suffered thus far.
I reached out and placed a hand carefully on his arm. “Felkas. Look at me.”
“I’m not sending you away. I’m setting you down somewhere safe, somewhere good, while I fix what happened. You’re not abandoned. You’re not forgotten. You’re not a burden. You’re under my protection no matter where you sleep. Understand?”
His throat bobbed as he nodded. “…Okay.”
“Good.” I squeezed his shoulder gently. “Get some rest. Iskri’s staying with you tonight. He won’t move unless you ask him to.”
Iskri purred, deep and reassuring.
Felkas managed a small smile. “Thank you… Kyris.”
“Anytime.”
I left the lantern dimmed low and slipped out into the quiet hallway, closing the door with care.
My own chamber was larger than I expected—high ceilings, broad windows draped with silk, and a carved balcony overlooking all of Sunhome. I placed my satchel on the low table and stepped straight toward the open air, letting the last cool breath of night spill across my face.
The horizon was beginning to glow.
Sunhome at dawn was nothing like the Dominion. Where my citadel rose like obsidian carved from darkness, Sunhome blossomed into day with warmth and color. Pale-gold stone softened into rose. Suncrystal lanterns dimmed as the sky brightened. The entire city seemed to wake in layers, like petals unfurling.
My chat appeared in the corner of my vision, rising with the sun.
[Carapace_kid]: I’m gonna cry bro this is GORGEOUS
[VioletVex]: KYRIS TURN UP THE CAMERA OMG LOOK AT THE SKY
[Archivolt]: Sunhome sunrise!
I leaned my elbows on the balcony railing, letting the warmth soak into my skin. The Watchers weren’t wrong—there was beauty here. A different kind than the Dominion’s brutal majesty. Softer. More human.
And somewhere inside that beauty, my mind kept circling the same problem.
I need more Faith. More Tithe.
Enough to upgrade the ring.
Enough to speak to Scott and Victor without observers.
The ring pulsed faintly on my hand.
Raids brought attention, so did exploration.
But I cant just fabricate spectacle, I have a feeling that pandering like that wouldn't work. I am where I am now by just doing what I feel is best for my kingdom and happening to be interesting while I did.
The sunrise crested the horizon, spilling light across the balcony in molten waves. Chat lost their minds again.
[dustmoth]: king of aesthetic sunrises omg
[ember]: nod is SO PRETTY tysm for letting us see it
And then a new notification pulsed.
—TITHE RECEIVED: LifelineV —
[LifelineV]: Kyris knows how to show us the secret beauty of Nod. Worth every penny.
You cheeky ass. He knows exactly how to get things going. Maybe I should talk to him about ideas to get things generated. Its really a shame he didnt get selected to be a king. It would be such a boon to have him as an ally in the Dream.
Chat erupted into a donation cascade—Faith climbing in the corner, grain by grain, spark by spark—as Watchers sent their tithe with messages of support.
[Oblivion_Scholar]: FOR THE SUNSET KING!!!
[VioletVex]: TAKE MY MONEY YOU BEAUTIFUL BASTARD
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
[HarrowPin]: this stream feels like therapy ngl
I let out a low, incredulous laugh.
“Well,” I said to the waves of watchers, “if you’re all intent on fueling my inevitable overthrow of the universe… who am I to deny destiny?”
Emotes flooded upward like confetti.
I gave them a lazy two-finger salute, leaning back with a smirk. “Signing off,”
Then I dropped onto the cushioned couch near the balcony doors. The fabric was warm from the rising sun, soft enough to swallow me whole. The world blurred into light and color, the braziers dimmed once more at the edge of my vision, and the hum of Sunhome faded into a distant thrum as sleep claimed me.
The session ends in golden quiet.
—----------
As my day in the Waking World passes, time blends together into a pale, frictionless smear. One moment I’m closing tickets and answering emails, the next I’m unlocking my apartment door, shedding my work clothes, and prepping for another night in Nod without even remembering the steps between. It feels like autopilot—body moving, mind waiting, heart already leaning toward the Dream.
By the time I lie down, exhaustion pulls me under instantly.
The softness of my mattress transitions seamlessly into the plush cushions of Sunhome’s guest suite, my awareness slipping into place the way a blade slots into its sheath. When my eyes open, sunlight floods the room, blazing through tall windows and warming my skin in a lazy, indulgent way I haven’t appreciated enough lately. For a few breaths, I allow myself to melt into it—the stillness, the quiet, the peace. A small part of me whispers that I could stay like this all day, just enjoying the rare sense of safety.
But the ring won’t upgrade itself. Faith must be earned. Tithe must be gathered. If I want the private channel unlocked, today needs to be productive.
A deep, rumbling purr vibrates in the corner of the room.
I sit up and take in the sight: Iskri and Hamu are sprawled beside the chaise lounge where I apparently drifted off, both massive beasts resting in an almost regal sprawl. Curled between them, tiny in comparison, is Felkas—breathing softly, fingers tangled in Iskri’s fur, one foot draped over Hamu’s flank.
The image hits something soft in me.
Safe. Sheltered. Warm.
A childhood he didn’t get to have.
My heart twists at the thought of leaving. Iskri’s awareness brushes mine—warm, steady reassurance—and he opens one amber eye to hold my gaze. He knows. He feels my intention to move on without him for now. A faint yearning echoes through our bond, a desire to follow me, to guard me, to stay at my side where he belongs.
But beneath that is acceptance.
A slow blink.
Ill watch over him, the gesture says. Go.
I reach down, bury my hand in the thick fur of his neck, and ruffle gently. He huffs, ears flicking, then settles back into position, curling protectively around the boy.
I stand, careful not to disturb any of them, and slip out of the suite.
A woman waits in the hall—middle-aged, tall, wrapped in Sunhome’s traditional veiled attire that hides much of her expression but none of her presence. She carries herself with a firm, almost intimidating poise. On the tray she holds rests a neatly arranged breakfast and a folded letter sealed with Sunhome’s crest.
I accept both with a nod. “Thank you.”
Her voice is warm but clipped. “King Thalos instructed that you receive this upon waking, Your Majesty.”
I set the food on a nearby table and break the seal.
Yo man!
Figured I’d let you know in case you got in before I did. I’m waking at the fortress today—got some work to do out there. I think I’ve finally narrowed down where the damn sandworms are coming from.
I assigned Gata here to be Felkas’s aide and teacher. Anything he needs, she’s got it covered. She guided me around Sunhome when I first arrived—kind of like your Cast, but without the combat training.
Also, I left you a gift, because I figured you’d be leaving Iskri with the kid. Head down to the royal stables and they’ll get you sorted.
Keep on killing it, Kyris! I’ll talk later!
—T.
I exhale through my nose—half amusement, half fondness—and realize I’m smiling before I can stop myself.
I look up at the veiled woman. “Gata?”
She bows her head. “Yes, Your Majesty. I will watch over the boy and ensure his comfort and growth. He will want for nothing.”
“Thank you. Truly.” I hesitate, then add, “Thalos mentioned something waiting for me in the stables?”
She snaps her fingers, and another woman appears almost out of thin air from a shadowed corner of the hall. I hadn’t sensed her at all—which is impressive and unsettling.
“This is Raiya,” Gata says. “She will take you there. Is there anything else you require?”
Her tone carries the weight of someone used to managing an entire household, and her eyes study me with a sharpness softened only by discipline. Motherly, but not gentle. Respectful, but not deferential. Sunhome culture woven into a person.
I shake my head. “I’m alright. I do want to visit the Day Markets, though. But I… don’t have any currency. My kingdom doesn’t really do commerce.”
One of her eyebrows rises beneath the veil.
“While King Thalos would gladly cover any expense you require, I suspect you would prefer to earn your own coin.” She folds her hands. “In Sunhome there are many ways to do so. However…” Her gaze skims my armor, the Chime at my hip. “…for you, the fight pits would be most appropriate.”
Of course, the chat reacts instantly—my mental feed exploding
[carapace_kid]: ARENA?!
[VioletVex]: ARENA! LET HIM FIGHT!!
I clear my throat. “I’m not sure I’m the right fit for… staged monster fights.”
“Your hesitation is noted,” Gata replies. “But our king frequents the arena himself. The crowds adore spectacle. You have nothing to fear—it is not a duel. It is… entertainment.”
There’s something almost smug in the pause she gives the word entertainment.
I sigh, “Alright. I’ll give it a shot.”
“Excellent.” She gestures to Raiya. “Please escort His Majesty.”
Raiya bows silently and leads me down a corridor lit with warm sunstone sconces. She says nothing as we walk, her steps measured, posture perfect. Every movement radiates precision.
We descend a curved stairwell to the royal stables, and the instant the door opens, heat, straw, and the rich musk of powerful beasts rolls over me.
Sunhome’s mounts put Earth’s horses to shame—they’re sharper, larger, bred for war and desert endurance. But even among them, one creature stands out immediately.
A hulking shape prowls in its stall, fur patterned in blacks and tans in bold stripes. It looks like a hyena crossed with a lion, with two thick tails almost twice the length of its body. Both tails end in heavy, metallic barbs shaped like spearheads.
It turns toward me, lip lifting in a cautious snarl.
Raiya steps forward. “This is Shenzah. An Aardwolf.”
I blink. “That’s… not what an aardwolf looks like where I’m from.”
She gives me the smallest smirk I’ve seen from any Sunhome citizen so far. “Perhaps your world breeds smaller ones.”
The creature snorts—as if offended on principle.
I approach slowly, letting Shenzah take in my scent, my aura, the feel of my presence. His ears swivel, nostrils flaring, twin tails thumping once against the ground. Still wary.
“Easy,” I murmur, extending one hand. “Not here to claim your territory.”
Raiya watches with a detached sort of curiosity.
Shenzah leans forward inch by inch, nose brushing my palm. I stay perfectly still. Three breaths pass. Four. Then, with a low rumble, he nudges my chest—not gently.
I stagger back half a step.
Raiya gives a single approving nod. “He accepts you.”
“That was acceptance?”
“For Shenzah, yes.”
She retrieves a saddle—sleek, reinforced with desert steel, fitted with heavy stirrups—and begins strapping it to the beast’s back. Shenzah stands tall and still for her, but keeps one eye fixed on me as if judging my worth.
When she finishes tightening the last buckle, she gestures to me.
“Mount him.”
I swing one leg over, settling myself into the saddle. The creature shifts under me—immense power coiled in every muscle. His tails lift, barbs slicing the air in lazy arcs.
He rumbles, the sound traveling up through the saddle and settling into my bones.
“Good,” Raiya says. “He knows your weight now.”
“I… feel like he could throw me into the sun if he wanted to.”
“He could,” she says simply. “But he won’t.”
Comforting.
She steps aside and motions toward a large archway leading out of the stables. Beyond it, I can hear the distant roar of a crowd, the rhythmic pulse of drums, the rising energy of hundreds of voices.
“The arena is this way, Your Majesty,” Raiya says, bowing slightly. “Come earn your coin.”
The chat loses their collective mind.
I guide Shenzah forward. His stride is smooth but powerful, each step carrying me closer to the sound of combat and spectacle. The air thickens with anticipation—mine, the chat’s, and Sunhome’s entire culture all converging into a single moment.
Today, I’m not just training.
I’m performing.
Earning.
I’m building Faith.
And I’m taking one more step toward unlocking the voice I’ll need for the Summit.
I exhale slowly, steadying myself, hand brushing the Chime.
“Alright,” I whisper to the beast beneath me. “Let’s see what Sunhome calls entertainment.”
Shenzah answers with a deep, rumbling growl, and we ride toward the arena.