The Citadel of Althaea

The source of Nigme's power, the Citadel was built as a temple and place of magic in the honor of the Faery Goddess Althaea - the Healer. It is a large tower with a spiraling staricase leading to the top. It's made of a pale gold stone that glows at night.

Zereiya carefully walked up the Citadel's golden steps, eyeing her surroundings with a hint of paranoia. She was hoping that she would not have an encounter similar to the one she had just the night before, and let out a breath of relief when she saw her friend Kaira at the end of the staircase. She smiled warily.

"I see you have heard the rumors that he is back?" Her friend asked, watching Zereiya with a curious gaze.

"No, worse. I actually saw him at the Royal Palace last night." Zereiya said, watching her friend's expression intently for any show of emotion. Suddenly, Kaira giggled and squealed with glee. Zereiya stared at her in shock for a long time before slowly asking,

"What do you find so funny about my situation?" She immediately regretted asking, for she already knew how her friend was going to respond. Kaira lifted both hands to her heart and gazed at the sky with a faraway expression.

"Because, my dear Zereiya, I live for drama!" She exclaimed then turned her head to look straight at her. Why did she always have to say that? It was starting to get on Zereiya's nerves.

"Of course you do," Zereiya muttered under her breath. She then proceeded to grab Kaira's wrist and drag her down the steps of the staircase. When they were out of earshot, she told Kaira all the details of the last nights encounter. Kaira's eyes widened in awe and she nodded to herself.

"He's stalking you!" She exclaimed, unable to keep the grin off her face. Zereiya that about it for a fraction of a second, then quickly dismissed the idea, shaking her head. But inside, she was trembling. She needed answers. She needed to know why he was back.