𝐄𝐙𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐋 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

33

The next few days flew by in a whirlwind of anticipation as Ezekiel prepared to take me to Syndril. The thought of traveling to his homeland filled me with equal parts excitement and apprehension. Ezekiel was surprisingly tight-lipped about the details, only mentioning that Syndril would be unlike anything I’d ever experienced. His face would light up whenever he talked about it, his words carrying the kind of warmth that only came when someone spoke about home.

One evening, as we sat together on the terrace, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, he finally shared more about his plans. “Akira,” he began, his gaze steady, "Syndril isn't like anywhere you've been. It's… a world apart, a place where everything about our kind is woven into the very fabric of the land itself. It's hard to explain until you see it for yourself."

I leaned closer, curiosity flaring. “So, what’s it really like? Will I be safe there?”

His lips curved into a gentle smile. “With me, always. Syndril has its dangers, but I’ll be there to guide you. Besides,” he added, taking my hand, “there are places I want to show you, places that mean a lot to me. And I want you to meet others—my family, my people. They’ll see why you’re special to me.”

His words sent a thrill through me, the promise of a journey that felt both daunting and exhilarating. "So, when do we leave?” I asked, barely containing my excitement.

“In three days,” he replied, looking out over the horizon. “We’ll arrive at dusk when Syndril is at its most beautiful. You’ll see things you wouldn’t believe possible.”

🤍🤍

The morning of our departure was unlike anything I had imagined. Ezekiel had hinted that we’d be traveling in style, but I hadn’t expected to find ourselves at a private airstrip, facing a sleek private jet. The jet bore the emblem of the royal court of Syndril—a silver crest with an intricate dragon curled around a flaming sword, symbolizing both strength and wisdom. Seeing the royal emblem made everything feel more real and reminded me of the world I was about to step into alongside Ezekiel.

Ezekiel noticed my expression and smiled, his fingers brushing reassuringly over my hand. "It’s the Morganthe family jet. This will get us to Syndril quickly and comfortably."

Inside, the jet was breathtaking. The cabin was spacious and elegant, with deep red leather seats, polished wood accents, and soft lighting that created a tranquil atmosphere. Everything was pristine and luxurious, from the handcrafted seats to the fine crystal glasses on the tables. As we settled in, the crew, clad in Syndrilian attire, greeted us with quiet grace, offering drinks and refreshments.

Once we were in the air, I began to relax. Ezekiel took my hand in his, squeezing it gently as he leaned closer. “This is a big step, Akira,” he murmured. “I know Syndril will feel different, but I’m grateful that you’re here with me.”

I looked up at him and smiled. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Throughout the flight, Ezekiel shared stories about Syndril—its royal traditions, the Morganthe lineage, and details about the court’s customs. He wanted me to feel prepared, knowing how overwhelming this new world could be for someone unfamiliar with its ways. As I listened, I could see how much Syndril meant to him, and I wanted to understand it as fully as possible.

As we neared Syndril’s capital, I pressed closer to the jet’s window, unable to hide my awe. Looking down, I saw the sprawling city stretch across the landscape like a masterpiece come to life. Towering buildings rose proudly, each one a marvel of Syndrilian architecture with intricate carvings and glistening façades that caught the sunlight. Majestic skyscrapers stood like watchful guardians over the city, each with its unique shape and design, seamlessly blending Syndril’s deep history with modern innovation.