Page 17 of The Void

Chapter Five

Mia could see that Lucas was jumpy. She didn’t know why but figured once they were alone in her rooms, they could talk.

In the past day, she’d done all she could to learn everything about Atlantis.

First off, there were no children here. Not a single one. The youngest person that she’d seen so far was the young girl that filled their drinks. By her estimate the girl was around fifteen or sixteen at the most.

Second, the two hundred or so people that filled the dining room now were the only ones that lived in the massive city. Every single one lived in the building they were in now. Each floor was separated into living quarters, determined by a person’s duties. Her rooms filled an entire floor and were near the throne room in the rooftop garden, which everyone had access to.

Third, when everyone had been calling Lucas her companion, what they really meant was her betrothed or husband. They expected to crown Lucas as some sort of king in a ceremony soon.

Which made being around him very awkward. Just knowing that she had to explain it to him put her on edge.

Lastly, no one in the city ever left it. Not one person had exited the city walls since the beginning of time. Nor had any other creatures or beings come into the city. She and Lucas were the first since the guardians had appeared to protect them.

Mia got the impression that no one cared to leave the city, not that they were afraid to.

“More water?” Mia asked him when he was done drinking the entire container. When he nodded, she waved her container, and the young girl rushed over to refill both of their drinks. She had yet to ask her what her name was. So far, she had only learned Beth’s name.

When more food trays were delivered, they ate together in silence. Lucas appeared as if he’d been starving. She ate as much as she could, knowing full well that there were only two meals a day instead of the standard three, breakfast and supper. Breakfast was served just after sunrise and supper served just after sunset.

When they were done eating, she leaned closer to Lucas. “They’re expecting you to say something.” She nudged him and he glanced around.

“Me?” He frowned, seeing that the attention of everyone in the room was on him.

She nodded in response. “I was told by Beth that its customary. She claims that no one has ever been able to get through the Kri.” She waited for a beat. “But I have no clue what that is.”

“A desert that makes you hallucinate,” he answered under his breath.

“Really?” She frowned at him. When he nodded, she continued. “Well, it’s customary to share your experience.”

He frowned. “I’d rather not.”

She touched his arm. “Just… say something. We don’t want to be rude.”

He nodded in agreement.

When she stood, everyone in the room grew quiet and stopped eating.

“Tonight, we celebrate the first Kri crossing,” she said, repeating the words Beth had given her earlier. “My companion, Lucas Romano.” Mia felt her face heat slightly at her acknowledgement of their relationship in the Athakis’ eyes. She sat down when Lucas stood.

“Thank you, everyone, for such a warm welcome.” Everyone cheered for a few seconds. When the crowd grew quiet, he continued. “Over the past few days as I crossed the land, I noticed the beauty of it. It’s natural wonder…”

Mia noticed instantly that the crowd was frowning and apparently so did Lucas, because he changed tactics quickly.

“I’m thankful that I’ve finally made it to such a wonderful place.” He motioned around them. “And have been welcomed with such fervor. The crossing was difficult at times.” He glanced down at her and she noticed something deep in his eyes. “I’m thankful I’ve finally made it here.” He nodded once before sitting down as everyone cheered.

“Do you have someplace we can talk, privately?” he asked quietly, leaning closer.

Mia nodded and then stood. “Please, enjoy the rest of your meal and have a wonderful evening,” she said to everyone in the room. When everyone continued to watch her, she sighed and once more raised her hands and shot a ball of fire into the high ceilings of the room.

She and Lucas exited as everyone cheered and celebrated her little trick.

“Please,” Mia said, holding up her hands. “Lucas and I wish to retire now,” she told Beth, who had started to follow them up the stairs. “I believe I can find my way back to my rooms.”

Beth nodded and then returned to the dining hall.

“What—” Lucas started to say as they climbed the stairs.