Chapter 216

Beyond the storm-swept plains, Kaia found a city that shimmered.

Not from water.

Not from light alone.

From reflection.

Buildings rose tall and narrow, their surfaces paneled in polished glass and mirrored metal. Streets were immaculate. Faces were immaculate. Conversations were curated, trimmed of excess before spoken aloud.

Everything here was visible.

Nothing here was exposed.

Kaia felt it immediately—the hum beneath the beauty.

This was a place obsessed with ...