Tragedy of Divinity

Chapter 35: Arrival at Loyrn

The landscape shifted as the trio continued their trek, the chaotic wilderness of the Nexus giving way to a more structured environment. Cobblestone roads began to appear beneath their feet, lined with wrought-iron lampposts that flickered with eerie blue flames. In the distance, the silhouette of a sprawling city came into view, its towering spires and thick, curling smoke reaching toward a perpetually cloudy sky.

Lucian's eyes narrowed as they approached the outskirts of the city. "Loyrn," he muttered. His voice carried a tone of recognition, but not fondness. "This place is trouble."

"Everywhere in the Nexus is trouble," Seraphine replied, her voice calm. She adjusted the strap of her satchel and surveyed the looming city ahead. The architecture had a haunting beauty, like something out of a forgotten era—Victorian, but with subtle distortions that felt uniquely Nexus-like. Shadows moved unnaturally in the corners of her vision, and the air carried a faint hum, like the city itself was alive.

Quintin, struggling to keep up with his overloaded backpack, let out a low whistle. "Trouble or not, this place looks fancy. Are those gas lamps? I feel like I just stepped into one of those historical novels."

"Don't get too comfortable," Lucian said sharply. "Loyrn's not as peaceful as it looks. Stick together, and don't trust anyone."

Quintin frowned but didn't argue. "Noted. No making friends."

As they reached the city gates, two guards in dark blue uniforms adorned with brass buttons and silver trim stepped forward. Their faces were obscured by gas masks, giving them an unsettling, insect-like appearance. One of them raised a hand, signaling the group to stop.

"Halt," the guard said, his voice muffled and metallic. "State your business in Loyrn."

"We're travelers," Seraphine said smoothly, stepping forward before Lucian could say something antagonistic. Her composed demeanor masked the unease she felt under the guards' unblinking gaze. "Just passing through."

The guards exchanged a glance, then nodded. "Travelers are permitted, but you'll need to register at the Watcher's Hall. Any suspicious activity will not be tolerated."

Lucian muttered something under his breath but said nothing aloud. The guards stepped aside, allowing them to enter the city.

Inside Loyrn

The streets of Loyrn were bustling with life, yet there was a strange order to it all. People moved quickly, heads down, dressed in impeccably tailored Victorian attire. Men wore waistcoats and top hats, while women glided by in corseted dresses with intricate lace patterns. Steam-powered carriages rolled along the cobblestone roads, hissing softly as they passed.

Quintin looked around, wide-eyed. "This place is… weirdly clean. Where's all the chaos?"

"Hidden beneath the surface," Lucian said. His eyes darted to the alleyways and the rooftops, scanning for unseen threats. "Loyrn's the kind of place that pretends to be civilized, but it's as dangerous as anywhere else in the Nexus."

Seraphine nodded, her own gaze taking in the subtle details. The city was immaculate, but it felt staged—too perfect, too controlled. She had seen enough of the Nexus to recognize when something was amiss, even if it wasn't immediately visible.

"Where do we start?" Quintin asked, shifting the weight of his pack. "Please tell me it's somewhere with food."

Lucian ignored him, instead gesturing toward a tall building at the center of the city. Its gothic architecture was imposing, with spiked iron fences surrounding it and gargoyle-like statues perched on the corners. A sign above the entrance read Watcher's Hall.

"We register there," Lucian said. "Then we find a place to stay."

"Lovely," Seraphine said dryly. "Let's get this over with."

Watcher's Hall

The interior of Watcher's Hall was as cold and unwelcoming as its exterior. The floors were polished marble, and the walls were lined with oil paintings of stern-faced individuals, all dressed in the same dark uniforms as the guards at the gate. A clerk sat behind a high desk, scribbling in a massive ledger with a quill pen.

"Names," the clerk said without looking up.

Lucian stepped forward first. "Lucian," he said curtly.

"Seraphine," she followed, her tone neutral.

Quintin hesitated, then said, "Quintin." He offered a sheepish smile that was ignored entirely.

The clerk scribbled their names down and handed them a small brass token each. "These will mark you as registered travelers. Lose them, and you'll be fined. Violate any laws, and you'll face judgment in the Court of Ashes."

"Sounds delightful," Lucian muttered as they turned to leave.

Finding Shelter

After leaving the Watcher's Hall, the trio wandered through the city, searching for an inn. Eventually, they found one called The Iron Hearth, a modest establishment tucked away on a quieter street. The innkeeper, a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes, welcomed them with a suspicious glance but accepted their payment without question.

The room was small and sparsely furnished, with a single narrow bed, a worn armchair, and a table with a flickering gas lamp.

"This is cozy," Quintin said, dropping his pack onto the floor with a thud. "Who's sleeping where?"

Lucian shot him a glare. "You're on the floor."

Quintin groaned but didn't argue. Seraphine, as always, remained composed, sitting on the edge of the bed and pulling out her dagger to inspect it.

"We'll stay here for a few days," Lucian said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Figure out the lay of the land. But don't forget why we're here—Loyrn's just a stop. We're not getting comfortable."

"Got it," Quintin said, though his tone suggested otherwise as he unwrapped a sandwich from his pack.

Seraphine didn't respond, her thoughts already turning to the mysteries Loyrn might hold. Despite its unsettling aura, there was something about the city that intrigued her. And in the Nexus, curiosity could be as dangerous as any monster.

As the gas lamp flickered and the distant hum of the city filled the room, the trio prepared themselves for whatever Loyrn had in store. They had survived this long, but in a place like this, survival was never guaranteed.

End of chapter 35.