Occupying one of the coaches of the aether rail, the seven candidates from Ardentia were traveling toward the same island where William and Emma had nearly lost their lives not too long ago.
The rhythmic hum of the rail echoed faintly through the coach as the landscape outside blurred into streaks of green and stone.
The front seats were occupied by Kevin and Natalie, both sitting upright, their posture composed and attentive. Right behind them sat Gizel and Mia—one calm and sharp-eyed, the other nervous and murmuring, as if already sending the disaster upcoming
Two rows behind them sat a young man with long, mid-back-length dark-green hair cascading down his back. He had remained silent for most of the journey, rarely engaging in conversation and keeping his gaze fixed either on the window or his own thoughts. He was the least associated with the rest of the group.
