Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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I lost track of time when we reached a long crevice in the steep rocky mountain wall. It was hidden behind some tall bushes and unless one knows where to look, it's easy to miss.

"Is this the one?", I asked to what Aldus nodded and stepped inside.

I followed Aldus through the narrow tunnel that was getting darker with every step we made.

I was forcing my eyes to focus on his silhouette that was barely a shadow, when he reminded me, "You have glowstick."

'CRACK!'

The sound of the glowstick cracking was unusually loud and it echoed in the distance.

Of course, I am the one who needs assistance, as Aldus can see in the dark just fine. As much as he says that I'm amazing, next to him I always feel that I'm lacking in more ways than one.

Aldus is always composed with answers to all the questions, he is strong and fast, and can see in the dark. Next to him, I feel like a helpless child.

The light from the glowstick was not much, but it was enough for me to see bumps and cracks on the path, and jagged rocks that were protruding from each side of the tunnel threatening to scratch me if I get too close.

I was glad when the tunnel expanded, and I realized that we are walking downwards.

'HISSS…'

A snake-like sound was heard from all around us as it bounced against the wall.

Aldus halted his steps and raised his hand, indicating for me to stop.

"We are here…", Aldus whispered, and I swallowed softly.

"It seems you are lost… lost… lost…", a girly voice echoed. "Go back... back... back..."

"We are here to request passage to Lost Isles.", Aldus responded calmly, and his eyes were focused on a spot in the darkness ahead.

"You think it's easy to enter… enter… enter…"

"We are in need of help from harpies.", Aldus said.

"What gives you the right to request anything? …anything? …anything?"

"My name is Aldus, the Lord of Vampires.", Aldus spoke with authority. "I want to speak to Mivian, your Archousa, or with Lumiona, your Manteio. If you fail to comply, you will suffer consequences."

My eyes widened when I heard Aldus introduce himself. So far he never invoked his title. It sounded important and it made me feel small, yet sheltered.

I bit my lower lip and counted seconds of silence. I reached twelve when a light buzzing sound was heard, and a glowing figure of a girl was revealed. She was exactly in the spot where Aldus was looking.

I was surprised as I observed the girl who walked toward us cautiously.

It was a girl in her late teens with milky-white skin that emitted a light glow. Her waist-length white hair covered her exposed breasts, and her white luminescent eyes made her black pupils stand out. Her perfect skin was bare, other than the triangle-shaped cloth that started low at her waist and stretched down, to cover her private part between her legs.

Is this a harpy? Shouldn't they be hideous bird-like creatures with human heads? This girl was ethereally beautiful.

She glanced at Aldus for a second before her gaze focused on me. She didn't smile or frown and the only thing I could see was curiosity.

"This is my daughter, Seraphina.", Aldus said when he noticed that harpy's attention was on me. "She has the wind element and I hope that your Archosa can help her master it. Tell her that I am here, demanding audience."

The girl peeled her eyes from me and lifted her chin.

"Wait here.", she said, and then she went back behind the rock and the light disappeared.

"Was that a harpy?", I had to confirm.

"Yes."

"Shouldn't they be more… bird-like?"

"You are referring to sketches that look like hideous creatures with claws and big beaks?" Aldus saw me nod, and he explained, "As you can see, they are nothing like it. There used to be a time when harpies would come into cities where humans live. They are attractive, and some men tried to get their favor. When they failed, men would spread the word how they are monsters."

"Someone's ego couldn't handle rejection.", I grumbled.

Aldus chuckled. "You would be amazed to find out how history is written by the ones in power. They can twist the facts to fit their narrative and silence anyone who speaks otherwise. The powerful harpies can transform their feet into talons, and the ones who established a connection to their star have wings. This girl didn't have wings so she probably concealed them, as they would not allow a harpy with weak powers to guard the entrance."

I knew that harpies have a ritual where they create a special song, and if a star accepts the song, that harpy will gain magical abilities and wings created of light.

I couldn't help but wonder if I can get wings. Does that mean I need to sing? I should ask if wings have any role. Can I use them to fly or are they only decoration? Are there any drawbacks?

I have no intention of being some air-sorceress. I want to prevent blowing up things, and if I can control air, that would be a bonus. Flying would be awesome. Ah, I need to slow down. One thing at a time. My first goal is to get in and to be accepted as an apprentice.

There was a faint sizzling sound and the light flashed in front of us as three ethereally beautiful white girls approached us.

The one in front had a white sleeveless dress that reached her knees, the second one had one white cloth tied around her chest, and another white cloth that hung on her waist, creating something like a minidress, while the third one was the guard that we saw already.

All three of them had long white hair.

The one with a two-piece outfit had her hair flowing freely, while the one in front had her white hair styled in dreadlocks.

Aldus bowed slightly. "Archousa Mivian, Manteio Lumiona… it's nice to see you again."

I understood that both the ruler and the oracle came, and I quickly bowed as well.

"Lord Aldus… it's been a long time…", the woman in the full dress responded. "I hear you brought us a child." All eyes were on me and I smiled sheepishly.

"This is my daughter, Seraphina.", Aldus introduced me.

I saw that he is not bowing anymore, so I followed. Aldus told me before not to speak without permission, so I focused on my smile, hoping that it doesn't look forced.

"Due to some event, she showed affinity toward manipulating air. I was hoping that you can provide her with guidance.", Aldus said.

Mivian and Lumiona exchanged confused glances.

"Manipulating air?", the woman with the two-piece outfit, I identified as Lumiona asked. "Do you mind if I check?"

Aldus gestured toward me and took a step away, allowing harpies space to get a better view of me.

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Check the photo in the comments to see the inspiration for Mivian (the harpy)

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