Eldoria: The Awakening

Chapter IV

The Sky Whale glides through the clouds like a ghostly giant.

The massive vessel, with its ornate deck and towering sails, cuts silently through the sky.

Below its belly, entire rooms and halls are nestled into its structure,Luxurious cabins lined with velvet curtains and polished brass fixtures.

Servants, dressed in crisp uniforms, move swiftly along the corridors, attending to the whims of the passengers aboard.Lucian walks down one of the dimly lit corridors, his footsteps soft against the polished floorboards. He can hear the low hum of the engines thrumming beneath the floor, a steady beat that vibrates through the ship.

The servants move past him with quiet efficiency, offering polite nods, but their eyes never linger. They, too, seem to sense the weight of something unspoken in the air.

As Lucian turns a corner, he nearly collides with his uncle Jin, who is emerging from one of the adjoining cabins. For a moment, they both pause, standing in the narrow hallway, the space between them charged with an odd, unspoken tension.Jin's eyes flicker over him, cool and appraising. There's a severity in his gaze that makes Lucian's chest tighten-a seriousness that never seems to fade, even in moments like these. They haven't spoken much since boarding the Sky Whale, and Lucian can't help but feel that there's something Jin isn't saying. Something weighing on him, too.

"Uncle,"

Lucian says, his voice almost hesitant, unsure how to break the silence between them.Jin doesn't respond immediately. His face remains expressionless, unreadable, as if he's carefully choosing his words. Finally, he speaks, his tone as stiff as ever."You should be preparing for what's ahead, Lucian," Jin says, his voice low.

"This is no time for distractions."

Lucian nods, though he can't help the flicker of frustration that rises in his chest. "I know. I just wanted to-

"Jin cuts him off, his eyes narrowing. "Focus, Lucian," he repeats, his voice hardening.

"Your mind should be sharp. Anything less, and you'll regret it."There's a finality in Jin's tone that leaves no room for argument, and Lucian lets out a quiet breath, feeling the sharpness of his uncle's words settle into his bones.

Jin steps past him, brushing by without another word, and Lucian is left standing there, the tension between them still crackling in the air long after Jin has disappeared down the corridor.

Lucain returns to his room

Lucian stares out of the polished glass window of his cabin, watching as the soft waves of sky stretch on forever, their quiet calm a stark contrast to the chaos simmering within him. The hum of the engines buzzes beneath his skin, the distant calls of unseen sky creatures a strange lullaby. But even in this tranquil expanse, he can't escape the gnawing unease.

His room, though lavish, feels like a gilded cage. Rich, embroidered pillows and mahogany furnishings surround him in luxury, but they offer no comfort.

No respite from the memories that claw at the edges of his consciousness, like shadows creeping closer with every breath.

He casts a glance toward Jin, who stands by the door, silent and vigilant. Jin's presence once brought Lucian solace, a shield against the relentless judgment of his family. Now, it feels different-like a reminder of everything that haunts him. Of everyone watching. Waiting.

The silence stretches thin, taut as a drawn bowstring. Lucian opens his mouth to speak, his voice quiet, almost too fragile for the air.

"Uncle, do you ever-"