Their Light

Chapter 42

Hadley

Holy shit.

It was the only thing I could think as I stared at the city, whipping by us outside the car windows. I had expected something different. After all, this was an entirely new society from what I was used to. I didn't expect their city to look the same as cities I was used to. But this was something else. It defied all expectations.

The road we were on changed from pavement to stone. The smooth stone went perfectly with the quaint buildings and homes we passed. I didn't see many larger paths branching off this main one. Cars must not be a primary mode of transportation in the city. There wasn't much parking either, from what I could see.

The architecture took my breath away. It was like this town stepped out of a fairytale or something. Each structure was packed with history, from architectural details to signs of wear and tear over the years. I noticed more of the latter on these initial buildings. The further we went, the less I noticed it.

I gasped as we moved onto a large bridge overlooking a glistening river. Greenery and stone walkways lined it on either side. On the other side of the river, the buildings increased in size and detail. Some were lined with beautiful signs detailing various stores. I noticed a few people milling about, but overall, the city was relatively quiet. Green spaces like small parks were intermixed with the buildings. It was a strange mix of the modern and natural worlds. I loved it.

Finn nudged my side and pointed up and out the window. "That's the seat of the Praeses."

I followed his gaze up and gasped again. An enormous plateau rose out of the center of the city. On top of it sat a castle. A freaking castle. White stone practically glowed in the sunlight. I couldn't tell how big it was, but it was definitely up there. Black framed windows and a pale navy blue roof completed the picture. I stared up at the various towers and turrets, stunned.

It took a moment, but I shook off my shock and really thought about his words. This was the seat of the Praeses. It screamed wealth and power. It fit with the image of them I had formed in my mind. The windows seemed darker. The extravagance twisted my stomach a bit.

Kent slowed and turned off of the main road. We passed rows of town homes. The brick structures were tall but skinny. A pristine sidewalk lined each side of the road. Rows of flowers and various small bushes followed the sidewalk. Every inch of this town could be on a hallmark card.

He slowed again and stopped the vehicle at one of the town homes. It was three stories but still smaller than the Statio. It had a covered porch, but it was smaller and there wasn't a swing. I was going to seriously miss that swing. The neighbors were a lot closer, too.

"We're here," Kent announced, turning around to look at the backseat. I sent him a smile and headed for the door.

"Let's go check it out!"

Finn helped me out of the vehicle. The others parked behind us and gathered on the sidewalk. Joe trotted up, stretching with each step. I bent down to pet him. He yawned widely in my face. I chuckled.

"Did you have a good nap?" He kissed my cheek in response. I laughed, wiping it away.

"What do you think of the city?" Isaac asked, bending down next to me. He started to scratch Joe's back. The old dog really liked that.

"It's like nothing I've ever seen before," I answered honestly. I glanced down at the sidewalk, noticing a design etched into the slab. It was similar to the one the guys wore on their uniform, but this one was more intricate. "The level of detail is amazing."

Before he could say anything else, the door opened. I stood and whipped around to take in the group of Kustos exiting the townhome. A group of five approached us, forming a v formation. The one in lead dipped his head at Kent and then Ryder before focusing on me. He was older. I would guess early thirties. His hair was dark and cut short. It was almost a buzz cut.

"This is for you, Probus," he said, offering his hand. The silver key in his grasp shined in the light. "If there is anything that is not to your liking, please inform us."

The group bowed slightly, placing a fist over their heart. I glanced at Kent, who sent me a smile and nodded. Hesitantly, I reached out and took the key from him. They didn't straighten. Panic filled me. With wide eyes, I turned back to Kent. It felt like they were waiting for me to do something, but I had no idea what.

"You probably have a lot to do. Ella's is probably running you guys ragged, right?" Kent asked. I caught the teasing tone, but also the hint in his words. I let out a sigh of relief and turned back to the group of Kustos.

"I don't want to keep you if you have things to do," I told them. They straightened. The one in front smirked at Kent.

"The Head of the Domu Guard only requires what is necessary to keep the city and all its residents safe."

"Thank you for being here to welcome us," I told them. They looked bewildered at my comment.

"It was our honor, Probus." I winced at the title. I turned to Isaac.

"Is everyone going to call me that?" I asked softly.

"We can call you whatever you want, but most Kustos will refer to you by your title. Not to do so would be an insult," he informed me.

"Let me guess. I can call them whatever I want, though?" He nodded. I huffed out a breath. I turned back to the group and was met with a sea of wide eyes.

I winced again for a completely different reason. "Sorry, I'm very new to all this."

"No apologies necessary, Probus," the one in charge replied. I realized I didn't even know his name. I cursed myself internally.

"I'm Hadley," I said, extending my hand to him. "You are a part of the Domu guard?"

He froze for a moment before extending his hand and shaking mine. "I'm Leo, Probus. Yes, we a part of the guard. If there is anything we can ever do for you, just let us know."

"Will do, Leo."

"Is she really a Probus?" I heard one in the back whisper. He was immediately smacked in the arm and shushed. I couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm sorry, Probus," Leo said, bowing again. "He is new to the guard and still learning."

I waved my hand at him. "Please stand up. No offense taken whatsoever. I take it as compliment if I'm that different from the Probus you normally encounter."

Kent cleared his throat from behind me. I sent him a look and shrugged. It was the truth. I would not be good at this if I couldn't, at the very least, be honest. Especially when it came to how Kustos were treated. You would need a muzzle to silence me on that. Now that I was here, I planned to make the most of it.

"If you have no further need of us, Probus, we will be on our way," Leo stated. His eyes surveyed me with thinly veiled curiosity. I didn't mind. I hoped he could tell I was being genuine. These guys had at least one Probus in this city that was on their side now. I kind of wanted them to know.

"Of course, thank you again," I told him. He smiled and nodded.

"Anytime, Probus."

I watched them walk away until they disappeared around the corner. I turned back to the guys. Holding out the key, I let it swing back and forth.

"Ready to go check it out?"