Chapter 4_Velka the Whisper

The sky had turned quiet.

After escaping the Sky Assembly, Kairo and Cinder let the Cloudreaper drift gently with the wind. The clouds around them glowed softly in the sunlight. Birds flew nearby, and the world felt peaceful again.

But Kairo’s mind wasn’t calm.

He kept thinking about the ships chasing him… about how serious they were. The Sky Assembly didn’t just chase anyone. They chased people who mattered.

And that meant something.

Cinder leaned on the railing next to him. “You’re thinking too hard again.”

Kairo gave a small smile. “I just didn’t think they’d come after me so soon.”

Cinder shrugged. “They’re scared of the map. That means we’re onto something big.”

Kairo nodded. “I need to find someone who knows more about the Atlas. Someone who can read the whole thing.”

Cinder snapped his fingers. “Actually, I know just the person.”

They flew west for a few hours until they reached a floating island covered in thick mist. It didn’t appear on any regular map. The clouds around it twisted in circles like a maze. The sun barely shone through, and the wind was oddly still.

“Where are we?” Kairo asked.

Cinder smiled. “A place called Echolight. It’s home to a girl who sees the world in her own way.”

The Cloudreaper landed on a small wooden platform attached to the edge of the floating island. Fog rolled across the deck as they stepped off.

Kairo could barely see a few feet ahead. The air felt cold and quiet, like the island itself was holding its breath.

Then, they heard a voice.

“You’re not Assembly. Good.”

A girl stepped out of the mist.

She was about Kairo’s age, with silver hair tied in a loose braid. A blindfold covered her eyes, but she walked with perfect balance, as if she saw through the clouds themselves. In her hand was a long staff with wind-chimes tied to the top.

“I’m Velka,” she said. “You’re looking for the Atlas, aren’t you?”

Kairo was surprised. “How do you know?”

“I listen. The wind tells me things. And so does your ship. It hums with purpose.”

They followed her through the mist, past quiet trees and echoing cliffs, until they reached a round stone building filled with books, scrolls, and glowing glass globes.

Velka gently touched Kairo’s coat. “May I see the map?”

He handed her the folded Atlas piece. She held it in her hands and closed her eyes.

“This ink isn’t just writing,” she said. “It sings.”

“What does it say?” Kairo asked.

She smiled. “It points to the Isle of Falling Stars. But you’ll need more than engines to reach it. The air there moves in circles, and only those who understand sound can guide the way.”

Cinder crossed his arms. “Sounds like a mess.”

“It’s music,” Velka said softly.

Kairo looked at her.

“Come with us,” he said. “Be our navigator.”

Velka tilted her head. “Why should I?”

“Because we’re chasing the First Horizon,” he replied. “And I think you’ve always wanted to see it… even without your eyes.”

She was quiet for a moment.

Then she smiled. “I’m in.”

Back on the Cloudreaper, the sky began to darken again.

But Kairo wasn’t afraid.

Now he had a ship, a cook, and a cartographer who could read the sky itself.

And the next piece of the Atlas was waiting.