Thabias and I walked along the forest trail towards the dark mine entrance. The opening was larger than I had expected, and the walls were precariously lined by wooden beams and thin stones. Lanterns hung from the ceiling, revealing a deep tunnel that curved further below. Workers were shuffling through, slowly disappearing as they descended into the depths. From afar it appeared like a natural cave, yet, upon closer inspection, it felt more like an ominous glowing mouth of a giant monster, steadily luring its prey to its belly.

  “I must return to my work on my own; who knows what people would say if they see me next to you,” Thabias said as he pulled out a metal object from his satchel, then strapped it upon his head, and the round glass reflected the low light. “Find Ezra. He can tell you where Lillie is—if she’s still alive.” The young boy suddenly sprinted and I needlessly reached my hand out.

  “Hey! Wait! What do you mean?” I shouted in vain. “Who’s Ezra? How do I—” As his small stature faded into the depths as if he was being swallowed up, a horrible paralyzing sensation crept over my body. I waited, hoping for Thabias to run back with a change of heart, and watched the lanterns swing ominously as a cold wind blew through the area.

  “Still alive?” I said out loud, feeling a shiver run down my spine, and my wings jolted. Another group of workers passed by, ignoring me, yet, I couldn’t find the strength to seek out another person to help me.

  As if my boots were filled with water, I dragged my feet along the dirt path and stepped inside the mouth of the cave.

  Walking under the dark canopy of the giant cedar trees was initially my worst fear. I overcame such peril in small increments, encouraged by Lillie’s presence. Entering a dense city within the forest was solely motivated by Lillie’s absence. Precarious tunnels dug beneath the surface of the earth? Absolutely absurd. I am a creature of the sky; I do not belong deep under the earth.

  But—Lillie. Something happened to her—something that causes fear for her parents and Thabias to suggest that she could be—

  Sweat began to pile on my forehead at the thought. I tightened my hands into fists, and I felt a deep pressure in my chest. I looked behind me, observing the trail I had just traveled from. I observed the light of the sun beaming through breaks in the branches and the hazy lights from the city far away. I knew I had already come so far and done so much. I had overcome so many of my discomforts and fears; the anguish I experienced all night, the clear direction of hope that morning—I survived this far and was so close to finding Lillie.

  I can’t give up now.

  I took one last breath of fresh air, my chest puffing up, and I proceeded into the mine. I accepted my resolve, and I acknowledged that there was no turning back. I would follow Lillie into the depths of the underground world, into the darkness, if it meant rescuing her—if it meant freeing her from the darkness of the world that controlled her.

  I did not fully understand at that moment, but with my determination to enter the unknown for the sake of Lillie’s wellbeing, a new level of comprehension began to evolve. Before, I had the privilege and luxury of ignorance. In order to fully understand the changes that threatened my world—compromising what bliss I anticipated creating with Lillie—I needed to drive away this ignorance. Lillie’s confusing and formidable world was too complex for me to fully understand, yet my love for her drove me to move past such insecurities of comprehension. I knew that if I was to have any chance with any sort of future with Lillie, I needed to keep pushing through the web of confusion and surpass my personal fears and any obstacle standing in my way.

  The air was stiff and heavy within my chest. The draft was different from my experience at the top of the mountains, or in the stifling atmosphere of the city. This cold was depleted of life itself, filled with soil, and barren of positive energy. I walked cautiously along the lantern-lit tunnel that gradually descended. The walls were carved and lined with wooden supports, steadily increasing in size. I heard noises further ahead—sounds of voices and heavy objects clanking together, like the pounding of the blacksmith. I was not sure what to expect as I approached the sounds, but what I saw was a sight to behold for an ignorant Teragane from the mountain.

  A rush of stagnant heat filled the air as I entered a very large cavern, completely lit by the orange glow of lanterns, furnaces, and luminous stones alike. The cavern was massive; large stalactites covered the ceiling, some forming columns that looked as if they led to other tunnels, and crystalized stones shimmered within the walls and stalagmites. There were four-legged animals pulling carts, people moving around undisturbed, large structures, and machinery I had never witnessed before. I heard loud sounds of people calling out, minerals crashing together in metal containers, and wooden cranes maneuvering about. It was like a whole new city, but underground, completely running under the orange glow I had grown to detest. The sudden burst of energy emitted by another surprise hidden within the dark caused me to shudder.

  So, this is a mine? This is where Lillie works?

  My sharp eyes darted as I attempted to scan the area, finding it easier since it was openly displayed. I realized it was just like the city. The people were all working, moving about in their time and space. I had nothing to fear. Even though I was underground, entering a whole new area I was absolutely unfamiliar with, I made it this far. I already survived Cedrus City. What could go wrong in the mine of the Tamarine people?

  “Find Ezra,” I remembered Thabias telling me. I could find my way to Ezra, who would help me locate Lillie. Once again, I was looking for help, but this time at least I had a direction.

  I took a deep breath, then descended along the path, deeper into the large cavern. I remembered from before to avoid conflict by keeping out of the way of the busier-looking people. I stepped aside for the animal-driven carts, I kept my eyes away from the Tamarines carrying large buckets, and I did not bother those who looked overly burdened. Instead, I looked out for those who bore the same similarities to Lara. She had showed me kindness on two different occasions; both times, her eyes were filled with concern. I directed my attention to seek out that same look of concern.

  As I passed through the cavern, I saw expressions of confusion, apathy, and even disgust, but it took some time before I found the demeanor I was searching for. I passed by a group of workers who were arguing over something. They stood close to tables that were covered in shiny objects. Some had the same round glass objects as Thabias resting on their heads, and others wore a type of thin glass in front of their eyes. An older man, hunched over some minerals on the table, glanced up; his wide eyes behind the thick glass caught my attention. I walked towards him, and he straightened his back.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked while pulling down his glasses. I steadied my voice, hoping to avoid conflict as the other men who were arguing eyed me with disgust.

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  “I am looking for Ezra,” I said. “Can you tell me where I can find him?” The worker raised a jagged brow, then stroked his greying beard as he eyed my stature, then my wings. The others around the table began whispering, but I kept my eyes focused on my goal.

  “You’re a strange sight to behold,” he chuckled as a smile crossed his aging face. “Are the Masters sending new recruits from the northern mountains? Or, are you a new messenger? Did Moritz kick the can?”

  “What?” I muttered, feeling confused. “I’m looking for Ezra.”

  “Yeah, yeah. He’s over there,” the older man said, and he pointed to a wooden structure where a few workers stood. The other whispering workers eyed me, and I turned my attention to the helpful man.

  “Thank you,” I said, and he simply nodded, then hunched back over his work. He focused on a black stone that had been broken into pieces, and a shimmering mineral caught my attention. I had never seen stones sparkle in such a way, but I returned my focus to my original reason for being in the underground.

  I turned and walked towards the wooden structure. It was a small shelter, perhaps a meeting place with a square table with chipped edges and a few blackened chairs pushed aside. Three Tamarines were talking over some parchment sprawled out on the table. As I approached, I could sense there was intensity in the conversation, perhaps a disagreement. The negativity felt repulsive, yet I continued forward, ignoring the heavy weight of anxiety increasing within my chest.

  “Greetings,” I said while approaching the three workers who suddenly creaked their necks to gaze upon me. “Pardon my interruption, but I’m looking for Ezra.”

  Their gruff voices had subsided as they stared. There were two men and one woman; all three appeared heavily aged by work and experience. Their eyes were deeply set and dark underneath, and it their stagnant gray skin was rough, scarred, and similar to other older Tamarines I had seen. One man had a full-beard, while the other was completely shaven. The woman’s gray eyes sparkled with curiosity as she gazed upon me. For a moment, the men looked surprised, perhaps a little frightened, but quickly resorted to puffing up their chests and extending their necks to increase their height.

  “And why would a Teragane wander its way into our presence?” the bearded man asked with a scowl. The other man snickered, and the woman shook her head.

  “Now, now, let’s not be rude to our new arrival,” the other man said while placing his hand on the bearded man’s shoulder. “Now, dear winged-friend, who has sent you? You must be a new messenger, yes? Didn’t realize Master Orvin caught himself a little birdie.”

  “Or, are you looking for a job?” the bearded man asked with a passive undertone. “If so, you’re in the wrong place. Go back to the city. I could never use someone like you.”

  “Hey, a guy with wings could be useful,” the woman said, and the two men grumbled for a moment. While they spoke, an intuitive sensation caused my muscles to tense, and my throat grew rather dry from an unknown fear. I was afraid of being mistaken, as well as involving others who perhaps had no desire to get caught up with whatever issue was happening. The fear displayed in both Thabias and Lara, even Lillie’s parents, was enough indication that whatever was happening wasn’t worth the effort to get involved.

  “No one has sent me. I have come here on my own account,” I said. “I am looking for Ezra.”

  “I’m a very busy man, but please tell me what good ol’ Ezra can do for you,” the clean-shaven man replied.

  “You’re Ezra?”

  “That is correct, young man.”

  “Oh, good. I’m looking for my friend, Lillie. She hasn’t been heard from for quite some time. It is unlike her, and I am concerned for her wellbeing. Last I heard, she was still at work, so I came here in hopes of finding her myself. I was also informed that another person—Jamie—has also gone missing. I came here to confirm the wellbeing of both have not been compromised.” Ezra’s smile still beamed, but the bearded man and the woman looked at each other, causing my neck to tense even more.

  “I have many workers who labor long hours, and sometimes the work demands more of their time. I’m sure she and the other fellow are fine and will return home soon,” Ezra replied without any hesitation, but the woman suddenly scoffed, causing him to grunt loudly. “Nothing to worry about. If you’re not here on orders, you are better off returning to the surface. Hey, I’ll even have someone escort you. This is no place to be wandering about.”

  “I do not think you understand me. I will not leave until I see Lillie for myself and hear from her mouth that she is, in fact, well. I have been seeking for her and have been led down to these depths on account of others being in fear of her unusual absence. I know that something is wrong. Do not push me aside after all I’ve gone through.”

  “You know nothing of this place,” Ezra scoffed while he puffed out his broad chest once again, causing the front buttons to slightly creak. “You’re just a mountain boy who knows nothing of the life in the city. I think you do not understand me.” Like the flash of lightening across the dark sky, the man’s demeanor drastically changed as his smile lowered into a scowl and his eyes glared. He no longer feigned a welcoming tune now that he realized I was not connected with any leader—master, as he called. Yet, I did not allow his intimidation to push me aside, and I stared down the man as anger tensed my fingers into fists.

  “I may not be familiar with the way of the Tamarine,” I said with low growl. “However, I know when a threat arises and how to fight for survival.”

  “Ohhh,” Ezra jeered, and the bearded man grunted as he pressed his hands together and swayed side to side. The hatred I had for the cruel Tamarines of the city festered within my heart, and my lips snarled as my eyes darted from each man. I wanted desperately to scream at their careless behavior. It was the same scene with Lillie’s father: another careless man who did not value my concerns nor desire to confirm anything about Lillie’s wellbeing. This time, I was willing to use force.

  “Tell me where Lillie is now,” I demanded. Before either man could interject or make a move, the woman finally stepped up by clearing her throat rather loudly.

  “Do you really think you could take this guy down, you ol’ geezer?” she sneered, and Ezra twisted his neck as he glared at the woman across the table. “You’d be better off taking down a Keeper. This kid is looking for his girl. Have any idea what kind of strength he’s being fueled by? You’d win a fight against a stoked furnace with a bucket of water before you’d falter to him.”

  “Then, why don’t you call someone to help me out, ye ol’ hag?” Ezra demanded as his cruel smile returned, but the bearded man continued to crack his knuckles while glaring at me.

  “I’d like to see someone put you in your place, any day, but, besides that, we have more pressing matters,” she said as she tapped the parchment upon the table. “Maybe the kid can help with the cave-in.”

  “That is no concern of this boy,” Ezra said and he waved his hand at me. “He is no messenger or been sent by anyone. There is no need to inform him of anything. We have enough people on the job, don’t need some rugged mountaineer.”

  “What is a cave-in?” I asked while turning my eyes to the woman, seizing the opportunity to find answers after feeling settled I would, once again, have no need to use force against another. Her gray eyes met mine, and, finally, I saw the look of concern as sudden fear filled her eyes.

  “Don’t you dare,” Ezra mumbled as his face reddened. She opened her mouth, and I was afraid he would attack her, but, instead, she continued with determination I once witnessed in others from the city. A determination to help others, even if it could cause further problems for themselves.

  “There was a cave-in three nights ago,” she said. “We haven’t been able to rescue the miners who were working in that area.” Ezra’s loud grunts increased, but the bearded man moved away from Ezra and closer to the woman. He looked at me, surprisingly with less apprehension.

  “What do you mean?” I asked. “What is a cave-in?” The mine-workers slightly chuckled, but the woman waved her hand nonchalantly.

  “A tunnel collapsed while our workers were excavating deep in the underground,” she said, and the bearded man’s eyes lowered as if grief finally struck his heart. “Lillie and Jamie are among the workers that are missing. That is why you haven’t been able to find your girl.”