The city engulfed Destiny with its vibrant noises and bustling activity, surpassing what she was familiar with from the Adelaide hills and violet springs. It truly felt like stepping into another world as she peered through the barred window of the wagon. People or shoppers filled the crowded vendors, while merchants shouted and the scent of the food they sold wafted into the wagon. The wagon drifted down the cobblestone path, which veered in different directions.
The wagon changed direction, heading north, the cobblestones making the ride extremely bumpy. Noble ladies walked past in groups of four wearing long flowing dresses, or wore silk shirts with black pants, some men wore jeans or and shirts, the noble men wore velvet suits with sliver or golden buttons.

People glance at the wagon, some whispered to one another, until the enforcers mounted on large black and brown and cream wolves, the enforcers ordered them to move along.
"What are those wolves?" Destiny asked,
The wolves growled, fangs glistened over their muzzle, their crimson eyes burned, the wolves yawned, their massive claws intimated Destiny, "They're known as dusk hounds, an ancestor of the common wolf in your world," Ash said.
"The city is lively, but different from my world."
"This is a quiet day. It's usually packed. "Ash replied, his voice filled with awe. The bustling streets were alive with the vibrant colours of herbalists and enchanted bookshops. The air was thick with the scent of mysterious potions and the sound of pages being turned. Alchemists and blacksmiths proudly displayed their array of weapons, the glint of metal catching the sunlight.

As the wagon changed direction, now heading north, they passed through an enchanting area. Intricate vines adorned the sandstone buildings, and their delicate flowers released golden orbs that danced in the air. The trees in this magical place were abundant with a variety of fruits, from juicy peaches to succulent cherries and the exotic blood palms. A peculiar fruit, with its dark blue skin and hard shell, emitted a strange fragrance that hung in the air. The group watched as a worker deftly opened the fruit, revealing dark blue seeds, much like pomegranates.

Destiny spoke, her voice filled with excitement. "They're like pomegranates," she exclaimed. Taylor chimed in, his stomach rumbling audibly. "And they're delicious too," he added.

Their journey led them to a lavish courtyard, where black and gold armored guards stood stoically against the walls. The scent of wildflowers mixed with the earthiness of the plants they cultivated. The sight of the guards amidst this natural beauty created a stunning contrast, captivating the onlookers.

Craftsmen used sapphire gems to create the eyes of a captivating griffin on top of the emerald silver fountain that released water from the eagle's mouth. The horse came to a halt, the enforces unlocked the doors, Destiny shiver from the chilly winds shielding her eyes from the harsh morning sun.
They stepped down onto the cobblestones. And the commander addressed the group impatiently, "I will leave you now, your highness, you can find your way to the throne room."
"Ashton, meet me in the dungeons, after you reported in with the king," the vampire instructed.
The Sergeant released them from the shadow bounds, their hands unlocking with a faint whisper. As they stepped into the castle, the quiet hum of servants going about their daily tasks filled the air. The scent of cleaning supplies mingled with the faint aroma of aged parchment as scholars passed by, carrying books and scrolls. People of various species and ages gathered in the lobby, their anticipation palpable.

Taylor hurried through the maze of hallways, his sand-covered boots leaving faint imprints on the pristine maple floor. With an uncertain expression on his face, he ascended the staircase. Turning abruptly, he opened a sturdy wooden door and led them down a second corridor.

"This place is a maze," Destiny thought, her attention momentarily captured by the portraits of previous kings and queens of Andreal. Taylor guided them into an ornate room, and Destiny gasped in awe. The king sat upon an obsidian marble throne, adorned with a carving of a panther curled around its base. The ruby eyes of the panther seemed to stare directly at them.

The king presence exuded power and commanded respect, filling the room with an undeniable aura. He wore red and gold robes, glancing excitedly when Taylor and the others kneeled before his throne. Destiny didn't kneel, because she worried about getting back up again, but she bowed.
"Father, this was not what we expected on our return. They have given us a brief explanation," Taylor said, his voice echoing in the massive chamber.
The king, with his kind face, inspected each of them and declared a state of emergency because someone hired an assassin to kill me. They have taken the man into custody and are being held in our dungeons."
"Anyone entering Andriel from another world must be bound with shadows until we can formally find out whether they are friend or foe."
"I welcome you all home and am glad you're safe."
"We can deal with the assassin later. We are more pressing, Matters, your friends may freshen up." The king ordered.
Taylor's friends stood, leaving the throne room, leaving Taylor and Destiny alone with the king,
"Taylor smiled, "Father, may I introduce Destiny Morgan, the daughter of Aleric,"
"I am charmed, young lady," he smiled, hope filling his wrinkled violet eyes. "This is wonderful news."
The king stood, pacing restlessly, his expression turned grave, he sighed, hugging Taylor in a gentle embrace, Taylor released the tension melted between his shoulder blades,
"Things have become worse since you left. More guards and our people cannot shift into animal form. The influence of the dark stone is spreading rapidly. The dark essence has entered our waterways. Now Aleric has vanished without a trace, but I know he crossed into Andreal. "
Destiny gasped; a wave of worry knotted her stomach. Alexander clasped his hands behind his back. "Was your trip to Violet Springs helpful, Taylor nodded, retrieving Aleric's aging journal, "We used the information in Aleric Morgan's notes to secure two of the elemental runes, but we found no hint of destroying the dark stone," Taylor explained.
Alexander's violet eyes darkened. "So, there is a glimmer of hope,"
"I issued a decree to the people to drink from their personal water supplies. Instead of tap water, the enforcers are passing out bottles of water, fetched from foresight peek, to the west district,"
Taylor nodded, "Have Christos purely any other sources of water,"
"Opal can use the air rune to warn the people and discourage them from drinking from the rivers," Taylor suggested.

The familiar sound of a walking cane tapped against the marble floor. An older woman hobbled in, accompanied by an enforcer, as Taylor looked over his shoulder, beaming with happiness. The creaking of the wooden floor echoed in the room as she made her way forward. She held her head high, exuding confidence, her skin a dazzling shade of smokey topaz brown. The scent of lavender wafted through the air, emanating from the red flowing dress she wore with a golden trim. Around her neck, a chain of gold with a phoenix pendant glimmered in the soft light. She neatly pinned up her pistareen white hair in a bun and adorned it with an emerald and ruby hair clip. She gracefully bowed; her milky golden eyes clouded over with wisdom. "Good morning, your highness," she greeted. Alexander gently took hold of her wrinkled hands, turning her in Taylor's direction. "Pleasure to see you again, my lady seer," Taylor said, pulling the older lady into a gentle embrace. "I'm glad you're safe, you foolish boy," she scolded with a hint of affection, her touch warm against his face. "Don't give me that look. I might be blind, but I can feel your facial expressions. When an elder instructs you to do something, you do so," she admonished.

"I have my lady, "This is Destiny Morgan, Aleric's daughter and the one you requested to meet," Taylor said. He pouted, shaking his head. Destiny stared, fascinated by lady Lucia's pointed ears. Decorated by different colored ears, she noticed the old woman inspecting her. With a deep frown, she stopped behind Destiny.
"May I touch your back?" lady Lucia asked,
"Sure," Destiny said, slightly confused, Lucia, pulled her top down exposing the protective covering concealing her healing taboo, she gently removed the covering, inspecting the art work underneath with delicate touches, the tattoo has healed, but she hasn't awakened her powers yet,"
"I am Lucia, royal seer. I look forward to seeing your potential destiny. Please join us for breakfast, but before that, she clapped her hands on a young handmaid wearing a lavender dress make in, "Melina, please see our guest changes into the proper clothes," the young girl, with vibrant brown eyes, smiled.
"Yes main, this way, please."
Destiny waved to Taylor, but followed the handmaiden. "What do you think, lady Lucia?" Taylor asked.
"I believe she will change things, maybe for the better," the old women shrugged,

*****

Taylor left the throne room, leaving his father and lady Lucia to speak, Ash cornered Taylor showing him against the wall, he growled, Ashton's fangs visible beyond his mouth, "Bother are you hungry again?" Taylor questioned, raising an eyebrow, "How long have the royal family, lied to us, the people of Andreal trust their leaders, and the darkstone around your neck is the reason Esmeralda can't shift and lost the connection with her pack?"
"Yes, Ash, did you think the cruse only affected me?" he shoved Ash off him,
"I never wanted this to happen," Taylor snapped.
"Well, it has your highness and as future king take responsibly for your actions, at least tell Esmeralda the truth, Ash hissed, his eyes changing to their dirty shade of crimson. The sound of Ash's link ringing disturbed their disagreement.
Ash shook his head, "I have a job to this conversation isn't over," he walked in the opposite direction of Taylor, grumbling under his breath,

Taylor walked past the place gardens. The vibrant plants enjoyed the morning sun, dew drops rested on the leaves. The guarders waved while cutting through the hedges. Children were enjoying the maze on the place grounds, other people were enjoying the vast gardens and the variety of foods the place offered from the trees bearing food in the cooler months,
"What is with him? I swear vampires are sensitive, "
"Maybe I should tell Esmeralda, would she never forgive me? Or hate me?" His thoughts ran wild with possibilities. The darkstone pulsed, turning icy enough for his chest to hurt. He leaned against a tree, counting to calm himself down, noises of swords clashing caught his attention.
Esmeralda gracefully sparred with the commander, effortlessly evading his swinging blade. With a forceful kick to his stomach, she sent him staggering backward. Determined, the commander adjusted his stance, putting more strength behind his attacks, causing Esmeralda's blade to tremble. Using the hilt, he armours disarmed her, a sly smile forming on his face. Placing her blade on the rack, he swiftly aimed a kick at her knee. Esmeralda swiftly dodged, her sharp claws extending as she emitted a low growl. Her eyes shimmered with a captivating emerald, green hue. Striking his mesh armour, she forcefully pushed him against the wall, unleashing a flurry of wild attacks. The commander struggled to keep her at bay, desperately trying to throw her off. Landing unsteadily, she moved with an animalistic grace. Baring his fangs, the commander delivered a powerful punch to her stomach. "Ouch, that would hurt," Taylor muttered, wincing. Esmeralda's eyes lost their untamed gleam as she collapsed, curled up in pain. Gasping for breath, she leaned against one of the stone flowerbeds. "You win, commander," she said. "Sorry, you lost control of your animal side again," I had to shock you out of it. I believe it's time to end our training session for today." The commander helped her to her feet. She smiled.

Taylor approached her, "Are you alright? I saw everything that was intense. Few people can train with the enforcers." Taylor smirked, impressed. "I know, but they provide a challenge. Besides, you're lucky. You get personal lessons from the king, "Esmeralda teased.
Taylor laughed, feeling better. "It's our bonding time."
"Sorry, I haven't spent time with you for the last month. I need to speak with you privately."
"Sure, let's go," Esmeralda wrapped her arm around his, holding her stomach. She curiously glanced at him,

Once they reached his opulent chambers, adorned with velvet drapes and gilded furniture, Taylor poured two glasses of chilled white wine from an ice-cold pitcher. The crisp aroma of the wine filled the air as he offered one glass to Esmeralda, his personal maiden. On his cheeseboard, a variety of cheeses awaited, their pungent scents mingling with the sharp taste that lingered on the tongue.

As they indulged in the crackers and savoury pieces of cheese, Taylor left a few for Esmeralda, savouring each bite and sip of the wine as it spread a refreshing coldness through his body. Leaning against the balcony overlooking the bustling city, he posed a question to Esmeralda about the strangeness of being home.

Esmeralda nodded, her senses overwhelmed by the cacophony of scents and sounds that surrounded her. The mixture of various aromas and the chatter of people and wagons filled her ears, while the powering up of teleporters buzzed incessantly, irritating her sensitive hearing. In her heart, she felt a deep connection to the forest beyond the castle walls.

Observing Esmeralda's gaze fixed on him, Taylor let out a sigh, unable to hide anything from her. With tears streaming down his face, he confessed to her his responsibility for the curse, recounting his foolish and naïve actions as a child.

Esmeralda's eyes widened as she gulped down the wine, placing the glass down gently. She took a bite of the cheese and crackers, placing her hand tenderly on Taylor's shoulder, urging him to share the truth.

Looking away, Taylor admitted his guilt, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. Esmeralda, a shaman herself, reassured him she had known all along and understood Selina's manipulation of his power. She reminded him he was just a child, unable to resist the allure of Selina's deceptive gift. The burden of guilt weighed heavily on him, but Esmeralda encouraged him to let go, assuring him that the curse was not solely his to bear.

Exhaling deeply, Taylor embraced Esmeralda, grateful for her wisdom and support. Their bond felt akin to that of siblings. Teasingly, he mentioned that her heart belonged to Ashton, causing her cheeks to blush. Esmeralda playfully retorted, calling him an annoying little bother.

Rubbing her temples, Esmeralda sighed, expressing her concern about being accepted by the vampires. Taylor acknowledged the shifting times and offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that perhaps things would change once the curse lifted. With a heavy heart, Esmeralda turned away, leaving Taylor lost in his own thoughts.