Eternal Oaths: Book One

Chapter XV

As Solene stepped into the train cabin, she was immediately struck by the grandeur of the space. The room was vast and opulent, more akin to a royal ballroom than any train she had ever imagined. The ceilings soared high above her, arching gracefully with intricately carved gold embellishments that shimmered under the warm glow of floating orbs of light. These magical orbs hung from delicate golden chains, casting a soft, golden hue across the cabin.

Plush, velvet seats lined the walls, upholstered in deep crimson and purple, embroidered with gold thread that gleamed in the ambient light. The seats were arranged around polished mahogany tables, each detailed with ornate carvings of mythical creatures and swirling patterns. The rich woodwork, with its deep grain and intricate designs, seemed to pulse faintly with magic.

The windows were framed by rich, royal blue drapes, drawn back to reveal the endless stretch of night sky dotted with stars.

Above, a grand chandelier of crystalline orbs and fine gold wiring hung in the center of the cabin, illuminating the space with a soft, ethereal light. The chandelier seemed to float in the air, suspended by nothing more than magic itself. Its light reflected off the polished surfaces, giving the entire room a dreamlike glow, as though they were walking into a space suspended between reality and fantasy.

There wasn't much time left to wait for Valerius. The Witch Queen and Zephyrine left the train in search of him.

Solene took her seat, sinking into the plush cushions, the soft fabric comforting against her skin. The train was generously spacious to accommodate all manner of beings, of all shapes and sizes. Though she couldn't imagine a dragon fitting in here, beings with wings could easily stretch them to full span without feeling cramped. The journey to the palace in the mountains, where only angels flew was about to begin.

Nyx, seated across from her, raised an eyebrow, clearly noticing Solene's tension. "You know, Sol, we'll be gliding through water, soaring through the skies, and racing over land—it's unlike anything you've seen. Oh, and just wait until you see the food cart. It's going to be a feast like nothing you've ever imagined. Sit back, relax a little... let the magic work its charm on you!"

"I'm just nervous..." Solene replied, her voice softer than she intended. "The Shadows... are more than just a threat to us, Nyx, they're a threat to the Realm, to magic itself. It took the most powerful beings to destroy them last...who knows how long we have to warn everyone."

Nyx leaned back, folding his arms. "Magic has survived worse. But this time, we have something they don't—hope, better technology and plenty more firepower."

"We don't even know if we destroyed them or scared them away..." Talia realized aloud, regret for her words written all over her face. She shook her head as if she could recall sharing her fears, "We need to be sure we know how to get rid of them and strategize with the rest of the realm."

Solene offered a small smile, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She reached out mentally, seeking the familiar presence of Remi. Any idea what we're getting ourselves into?

Remi's voice came back instantly, cool and steady. We're walking into a fight with forces older than any of us. But that's never stopped you before.

You're right, Solene thought. It won't stop us now.

"It looks like we'll be able to spread word much quicker than we imagined." Eden announced, not even attempting to hide the surprise in her voice. Everyone turned towards the window to see a dozen Malakim, they seemed to be escorting someone important as they were armed to the teeth.

As the Malakim approached, their wings shimmering with iridescent light, Solene couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and apprehension. The sight of these celestial beings, their towering forms and radiant energy, brought a wave of tension in the cabin. Even Nyx, who rarely seemed impressed, was staring with a glimmer of respect in his eyes.