Scene 1: Kingdom of Worlds

Chapter 4: Ambushed

I slouch in the chair of our train compartment, head hanging low, water dripping onto the carpeted floor. Jayce sits across from me, sword lying across his lap, face turned towards the window. It's impossible to see anything out of it because of the rain pelting the glass, but I know he just doesn't want to look at me.

My stupid mouth just couldn't stay shut could it? Now I've ruined whatever we had in the first place. I clench my hands in my lap, knuckles turning white. The silence between us is all encompassing. He doesn't try to fill, and I don't have the energy to either. My brain is still trying to sort through everything I've learnt in one night.

Yes it's been a full night. Outside the train I welcome the light of day. It must be around 11am now, my stomach constantly screaming for food. I mentally plead for it to shut up.

"Here." Jayce leans over the compartment, a muesli bar in his outstretched hand. I eye it wearily, before hunger kicks in and I take it greedily, tearing the packet and shoving it into my mouth. I don't really care for politeness at this stage. Jayce watches me eat, brows furrowed in confusion. I stop half through a bite, looking up into his green eyes.

"Do you want some?"

He chuckles at this, shaking his head adamantly and returning his gaze to the window.

"No, you have it."

I continue to eat, slower this time, feeling slightly guilty. He's probably just as hungry as I am. But I'm a selfish prick, so finishing the bar by myself is no problem.

I brush the crumbs off my coat, lying down on the seat horizontally before curling up into a tight ball. Exhaustion presses heavy on my eyes, and I can't seem to keep them open any longer. Closing them I let myself slip slowly into slumber. The last thing I hear is Jayce telling me that he'll wake me up when we reach Rome.

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"Melody."

I groan, rolling over, nearly falling right off the seat. My eyes spring open and I sit up almost instantly. Jayce is standing in the compartment, which I realize is not moving, with his sword strapped to his side.

"Are we there already?" I yawn, stretching my arms above my head.

"Yep." Jayce confirms it and begins sliding the door to the compartment open. I force myself to stand, smoothing down my crinkled clothes.

Sidling up behind him I peer over his shoulder at the bustling people, bushing their way down the crowded isle.

"Stay close to me." Jayce hisses in my ear, before striding out of the compartment and weaving through the mass of passengers. With a sigh I follow him, staying close to his side, trying to help shield the sight of his sword.

We make our way to the train doors, the crowd pouring out onto the platform around us. Jayce slows, stepping out cautiously and gazing round at the busy station. I'm right on his heels. The Roma Termini railway station is packed with people.

My ears ring with the noise of it. Having lived in a quiet town such as Morte Calda my whole life, the frantic business of Rome startles me.

"The Scenic express is just around the corner." Jayce leans close to be heard over the sound of the station. My eyes find it hard to stay locked on his, occasionally flicking down to his lips instead. I shake my head slightly to clear my thoughts, and nod.

We begin to make our way through the station, dodging mothers pushing toddlers in prams or people dragging their heavy luggage behind them. My mouth is open in a perfect 'O' as I gaze around at the flashing billboards and bustling shops. This is like nothing I've ever seen before. Only in movies or on TV, not that I got to watch many of that back at Underbridge Orphanage.