The golden tear in reality distorted the air around it and filled the entire height of the hall. The sight of the familiar rent in reality made her heart hammer in her chest, and her breathing grow shallow.

  Mythic Veilsurge.

  “E-evantra… is that what I think it is?” Noelle whispered, her hand tight around her arm.

  “Oui, our way out,” Amelie grinned, before gesturing for them to follow her. To her surprise, Evantra watched as a second panther creature emerged from the viewing gallery, before leaping down onto the ground floor as if gravity were an optional feature.

  This one sported a scar over its right eye, and where the other’s skin had looked glossy and soft, this Veilcreature sported countless scars across its flanks. It let out a low, rumbling growl as it regarded them, its attention making the hair across Evantra’s forearms rise.

  There was something about comprehending a creature built to kill, so far beyond her, that reminded her of her first encounter with a ghost. The paralysis and sinking sense of dread that it struck in her.

  “They’re friends, Monsieur Gaston. Play nice.”

  ‘Monsieur Gaston’ seemed to be momentarily placated by Amelie’s reassuring pats, which allowed Evantra to release the breath she had been holding in.

  “This way.”

  “I never thought I would see the day,” Benjamin whispered, his grip tight around his sniper rifle. “It is sights like this that would have you believing in the divine,” the monk whispered, eyes round as he stared at the immense tear in reality.

  “Then you remember that the ‘angels’ are actually winged monstrosities that will make your eyes bleed out of your sockets at a single glance. Come on,” Evantra whispered to the monk, jolting him out of his reverie.

  Together, they followed Amelie towards the threshold of the Veilsurge. They could hear the echo of footsteps from the corridor they had entered from. The cybernetic woman let out a wild grin.

  “In we go. Follow us closely.”

  As Evantra stepped into the Veilsurge. An identical scene awaited them on the other side. A large hall with concentric barricades and turrets had been torn through by the passage of the wraith. Bodies littered the ground around them, and gunfire could be heard from further into the facility.

  “Scavenge the weapons that you can, then mount mademoiselle Gigi,” Amelie said with a grin, gesturing towards the Veilcreature with the silky fur. They wasted no time in retrieving some weapons and magazines from the dead operatives before hurrying to acquiesce.

  Cecile, the girl with three eyes, and Henri, the giant young man who was Amelie’s son, had mounted Gaston. Amelie herself continued to carry Gustave with little effort on foot, after having pilfered some stims from the dead Guard Captain.

  “Stay down,” Amelie said.

  Noelle let out a yelp as Gigi lurched forwards, accelerating at a blisteringly fast pace. Their mounts tore around the corner at speed, surprising a handful of operatives who opened fire in their direction. The Veilcreatures simply barrelled through them before turning the corner.

  What awaited them was a scene of destruction. But not solely from the rogue wraith that had escaped its confines. Evantra watched as a plant made its way through the large opening in the facility’s wall. Two squadrons of Demeteria operatives were concentrating their fire as tendrils with thorns the size of an adult human adorned its length. They whirled at blindingly fast speed, tearing through the makeshift cover that Demeteria had erected, and through the operatives themselves.

  “Hold on tight!” Amelie yelled as they plunged into the chaos.

  The plant’s tendrils lurched for their mounts, but it seemed as if the creatures were adept at navigating around them. Gigi leapt over an oncoming vine almost casually, before touching down lightly and jumping towards the hole. She dextrously leapt on the main ‘trunk’ of the plant creature, using it as a platform to jump straight through the hole in the facility, and down below.

  Evantra’s eyes widened as she took in the true scale of the creature assailing the base.

  The vines and tendrils were part of a larger plant, whose roots and tendrils had extended to encompass the side of Demeteria’s installation. Dark blue flowers bloomed across the deadly vines, and Evantra quickly realised that they were relatively close to the ground. As soon as they were clear of the installation, the plant appeared to lose interest in them, and Evantra heaved a sigh of relief as the veilcreatures put distance between them and Demeteria’s installation.

  Evantra’s breath caught as they broke through a stretch of dense foliage, before arriving at a clearing. She quickly realised that Demeteria’s installation had been built atop a cliff, overlooking the lands around them.

  The Hanging Gardens lay before her.

  A world untouched by civilisation and ruled by writhing monstrosities. A jungle realm where the flora was more dangerous than its fauna, and where humanity’s weapons were pushed to their limits. Only the Magical Girls and Guardians had experienced much success venturing into its depths, and even then, Uriel and Jack had shared that they had barely scratched its surface.

  The Gardens deserved their reputation.

  She glimpsed the strange white towers that rose into the sky, the inspiration for Demeteria’s headquarters. They bore a passing similarity to the silhouettes and scale of megabuildings and skyscrapers of Earth, but with a simple, square frame. There were no walls coverings their sides, and they acted almost as scaffolds for the trees with different coloured foliage weaved into and out of the structures. Minute white forms that were likely birds or other flying creatures took off from their perches, soaring over the dense jungle landscape, emphasising its vast scale.

  “Evantra… look at that,” Noelle whispered.

  Evantra followed the girl’s finger, her eyes widening as she glimpsed a large blue flower bud in the distance, towering over the jungle. It was just as tall as the calcified white towers. The immediate vicinity of the flower seemed to be brown with decay, as if the life around it had been seeped dry.

  Another landmark that Evantra took notice of was a large tree that eclipsed its surroundings. It was at a scale that dwarfed even the white towers and Titanic flower. It looked to eclipse even megabuildings in scale. It sported a full canopy, and even from a distance away, Evantra could see immense plants curled around its branches and trunk.

  Up close, the titanic veilcreatures would have dwarfed even the scale of Demeteria's facility that they had escaped from. It was a grim reminder that up until now, the veilcreatures she had encountered were middling, and that there were far greater creatures that posed a threat that she could barely comprehend.

  “Something tells me that we’ve stepped out of the frying pan and into the fire,” Evantra muttered.

  Noelle gulped and Benjamin nodded his agreement.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  ***

  As they advanced further into the Gardens, Evantra was beginning to realise just how Amelie had managed to survive the inhospitable landscape.

  Monsieur Gaston and Mademoiselle Gigi.

  The pair of panther-like Veilcreatures skilfully detected and avoided creatures and plants lying in wait. They almost casually dodged roots and tendrils that burst out of the undergrowth or canopy in an attempt to entangle them, while manoeuvring through the dense foliage and verticality of their surroundings with ease.

  If they were on foot, Evantra was certain that it would have taken them days to clear the distance they had covered in a span of hours. She was doubly sure that they would not have survived the trip. Eventually, she felt her pulse heighten as they began to head closer towards one of the sprawling white towers that dotted the landscape. Evantra could see that there was a clearing between the base of the tower and the jungle around it, as well as some makeshift barricades.

  “What do you think these towers are? Do you think that there was once a time when they were occupied by sentient veilcreatures?” Noelle whispered in awe.

  As they neared the base of the tower, Evantra heard Noelle gasp at the flowers hanging from the white structure in droves. Bioluminescent blue flowers shone in the evening light, and they could see insects similar to bees zip about the flowers, pollinating them. The veilcreatures began to stride up the curving trunk of a tree that sprouted from the base of the structure and curved upwards within the white ‘tower’.

  “Welcome to our home, friends,” Amelie said with a wide grin. The tree that the veilcreatures were climbing had broken through to every floor of the tower. They alighted on the first floor, and Evantra stared at the makeshift camp that awaited them. As the towers were more like frames than buildings with solid walls, Evantra had a clear view of the environment around her.

  When they finally dismounted, Evantra quickly headed over to where Amelie and her son Henri were, nursing Gustave’s wounds.

  “Putain, putain, putain,” the man gritted out as Amelie disinfected his wounds.

  “Oh, you’ll be alright,” Amelie smiled as she bandaged his wounds and delivered her assessment.

  “But you won’t be walking anytime soon. Looks like you’ll have to rely on Mademoiselle Gigi to carry you around, isn’t that right, girl?”

  Amelie stroked the veilcreature beneath its chin, which prompted a loud purr. Gustave, on the other hand, stared at the creature with such distaste that it looked like he had just bitten into something sour.

  Henri was crouched beside the moustached knife-wielder, dressing his wounds with a tenderness that surprised Evantra.

  Her first impression of the towering young man with scars across his forearms had not stood up to his true personality. Even as he was absorbed in his task, Evantra watched as he glanced anxiously towards their surroundings, jumping at the slightest sounds that emerged from the Gardens beyond them.

  “Now then, let’s get acquainted. But first… we drink!”

  ***

  Evantra stared at the unopened can of beer in her hands, as Amelie proceeded to knock back her fourth drink. Noelle and Benjamin similarly held unopened drink cans in their hands, staring at the woman where she was splayed out across the floor, seated against ‘Monsieur Gaston’ who was the scarred, male Veilcreature whose eyes had perpetually been fixed on Evantra since the moment they arrived.

  “They’re nightcrawlers. Native to Avalon. They’re so cool,” Noelle leaned over, whispering into Evantra’s ear.

  “They could be Persian cats for all I care. Noelle, have you forgotten that we’re in the Hanging Gardens,” Evantra hissed back, causing the girl to flinch and look away.

  Evantra stared at her friend.

  Ever since they had ‘rescued’ the prisoners, it seemed like a weight had been lifted off Noelle’s shoulders. It didn’t seem like Noelle truly grasped the reality of their situation. She seemed more comfortable stranded on the other end of a Mythic Veilsurge than she had back in Demeteria’s Gaia facility.

  Evantra still struggled to understand why.

  “Shall we introduce ourselves? Maybe we can throw in our favourite food to break the ice, oui? I can start,” Amelie said, wiping her lips with a satisfied sigh.

  “Amelie Delamare. My favourite food is garlic mussels. I also enjoy leisurely walks on the beach. I love a good tan. Your turn, Gustave,” Amelie continued with another generous sip of beer.

  Evantra stared incredulously as the woman idly flicked an insect from her metallic arms, her subdermals visible with not an ounce of organic skin to be seen or tanned.

  “Putain,” Gustave cursed, turning onto his side with a groan. Somehow despite their recent activity, the squat man’s black hair was still perfectly slicked back and his moustache coiffed. All of his knives were sheathed in various places around his body. Evantra had offered up one of her stims, which Gustave had graciously accepted. It seemed like he had stabilised, but it didn’t prevent him from expressing his displeasure at the general state of things.

  Cecile, the girl who had been imprisoned shot to her feet, no longer able to keep her astonishment contained. All three of her ice-blue eyes were fixed on the woman lounging up against the nightcrawler. Occasionally, her gaze would flick towards Noelle before returning.

  “Amelie… you’re alive. We… we thought you and Gustave were dead when you didn’t return—”

  Amelie’s hand rose, cutting off the three-eyed girl.

  “Wait your turn, Cecile. Gustave, ‘putain’ isn’t your name, but given the circumstances, I’ll allow it. You next. Yes, you. The handsome monk.”

  Benjamin stood to his feet and bowed.

  “Amitabha Buddha, thank you for your hospitality. My name is Benjamin Yang, and I am a fervent believer in the teachings of peace,” he said with a serene expression, hefting the sniper rifle in his arms. “I enjoy a good hotpot.”

  “Ah yes. I love me some peace, and a good hot pot,” Amelie said witha grin which Benjamin returned. “Your turn next, invisible girl.”

  Evantra’s eyebrow twitched.

  “Hi… I’m Evantra. I guess I like… mac and cheese.”

  Amelie frowned in concern, her hand stroking her chin.

  “That is… concerning. Tell me, Benjamin. Is her personality as bland as her taste in food?”

  “Indeed. It is quite troubling and something we are attempting to rectify, Amitabha,” Benjamin said, the pair of them starting to chuckle.

  Evantra shot to her feet, joining Cecille who was staring incredulously at Amelie.

  “Have all of you forgotten that we’re on the other side of a Mythic Veilsurge right now? Do you know how many top-class Ghostslayers have been slaughtered in the mythical realms? And you’re treating this like an excur—”

  “And what exactly do you propose we do about it?”

  Amelie’s glowing orange eyes were locked onto Evantra’s. She felt a chill run down her spine as the woman’s mirth was instantly replaced with deadly calm.

  “Returning to Mars is out of the question. Sneaking through the Gaia facility to get to the veilsurge to Earth? Perhaps it would be possible for you, invisible girl,” Amelie said, taking a sip from her can. “But for the rest of us? We would be noticed. And our dear Doctor Antoinne would sooner collapse the veilsurge to Earth than let us get away.”

  She continued to stroke Gaston behind her, the male nightcrawler’s gaze still fixed on her, and a low growl escaping his lips.

  “If it is scouting parties by Demeteria that you’re worried about, then you needn’t worry your pretty little head,” she said with a grin. “They’ve tried hunting us before. The men who did are now fertiliser for the writhing monstrosities. Without these little cats,” Amelie said, scratching Gustave affectionately behind the ear, “perhaps we would be in trouble. But as things stand… we are at an impasse, oui?”

  Evantra slowly sat back down.

  “As Gustave keeps reminding us… we are fucked, yes. And you are welcome to cry, weep and piss your pants in your final moments. Don’t let me stop you, if that is what you choose,” Amelie said with a grin, taking another loud sip from her can. “But why do that when you can enjoy some drinks and a beautiful view!” she said, gesturing to the Gardens that sprawled out before them.

  Evantra silently worked her jaw as she stared at the woman. Amelie merely shifted her attention to the girl next to her, giving Noelle a charming smile.

  “And you?”

  “I’m… Noelle Laurent. I like Mangoes.”

  Then, almost as an afterthought, Noelle raised a finger into the air as if recalling something.

  “Oh! I’m also an heir of Demeteria Agricorporation.”

  “Merci! Thank you for sharing, Noelle. Mangoes are a great pick. Your turn, Cecile.”

  Cecile, Gustave, and Evantra’s eyes all snapped towards Noelle, then back to Amelie, who had taken the revelation in stride.

  Noelle's interaction with the drones had likely been noticed by the rest of them, but to admit it so openly—

  The hiss and crack of a beer can opening filled the air. The stares turned from Noelle to Benjamin who bowed in their direction, having attempted to make the motion as discreet as possible.

  “Apologies, Amitabha. Did I ruin the moment?”

  “Y-you… so it’s true... you’re a heir of—” Cecille stuttered.

  “Cecille. Go on,” Amelie said, a touch more firmly.

  Cecile seemed to snap out of her momentary stupor, but all three of her icy-blue eyes were fixed on Noelle as she continued.

  “I’m Cecille. I like… fried chicken.”

  The girl seemed to blush as Amelie erupted into laughter.

  “And last but certainly not least… my dear son.”

  Henri was hunched over, in a similar position to how Evantra had found the young man. It was only then that she realised that he was shaking, his fists curled tightly. Evantra watched as Amelie stood to her feet, leaving her drink behind as she laid a hand gently on his shoulder.

  The young man’s tension eased as he looked up at his mother.

  “I-I’m Henri. I like rice porridge,” he muttered softly.

  “Magnifique! Thank you for your participation, everyone. Now that wasn’t so difficult, was it?” Amelie said with a grin, before finally turning towards Evantra, Ben and Noelle.

  “I’m sure you have plenty of questions. Ask away, mes amis.”