After a full seven months of traveling, the small group finally reached the border of the Holy Kingdom of Elysium.
Lina's belly had grown large and round. Only two months remained until she would give birth. She could no longer ride as comfortably or move as freely as before, so she spent most of the journey sitting carefully on the horse while Feng guided them.
The white marble walls and towering temples of the Holy Kingdom gleamed under the afternoon sun. The air felt cleaner, carrying a faint scent of healing herbs and incense.
They approached the main gate. Two guards in white-and-gold armor stepped forward, spears held upright but eyes watchful.
"State your names and purpose," one guard said.
Feng bowed politely from atop his horse.
"We are refugees from the Dragon Kingdom. Their king is weak and corrupt, and the land has become dangerous. We seek shelter in this holy land, where the God of Healing and Cure offers protection."
The guards exchanged a glance, then nodded. They asked for the standard entry fee — a modest sum of silver coins. Feng paid without hesitation.
"Welcome to the Holy Kingdom of Elysium," the guard said. "May the God's light bless your new beginning."
They passed through the gates just as the sun began to set, painting the white buildings in soft orange and gold.
The city was beautiful and orderly — wide clean streets, temples with glowing runes, and people moving about with calm, peaceful expressions. However, it was already getting dark, and Lina was clearly tired from the long day.
Feng quickly searched for an inn. They found a modest but clean one called The Healing Lantern, run by a kind middle-aged couple. After paying for a room, they were shown to a simple but comfortable chamber with two beds.
Suki, exhausted from the journey, quickly washed up and crawled into one bed, falling asleep almost instantly with a peaceful expression.
Feng helped Lina lie down on the other bed. He gently placed a pillow behind her back to support her heavy belly, then lay down beside her. Lina turned toward him, resting her head on his shoulder as best she could with her rounded stomach between them.
The room was quiet, lit only by a small lantern on the table.
Lina placed one hand on her belly and whispered softly,
"Only two more months… I can feel the baby moving a lot these days."
Feng gently placed his hand over hers, feeling the faint kicks. His voice was calm and warm.
"You've been very strong, Lina. We're safe here now. Rest well."
They lay together like that — husband and wife in all but name — listening to each other's breathing and the soft sounds of the holy city outside the window.
Suki slept soundly in the next bed, her small chest rising and falling peacefully.
For the first time in many months, the three of them felt a fragile sense of safety and new beginnings in this blessed land.