Empyreal, Book 1

Chapter 7

It was the perfect night for a coming-out party. The sun had begun to set, and a light chill hung in the air. Malachi's manor emitted a soft glow as servants raced around inside making sure everything was perfect. The grand entrance hall had been decorated to perfection from top to bottom with the most beautiful nightshade of Oleanders.

A large crystal chandelier sparkled overhead while candles softly illuminated each corner providing just enough warmth without being intrusive. The servants were dressed in pristine white outfits that adorned cloaks made of velvet and a deep shade of purple. Paintings from some of Empyreal's most renowned artists embellished the textured onyx walls. The people of the Hollow Earth would soon meet their future queen as Malachi tightened his grip on the realm.

"Sarah," Malachi said, his voice smooth as silk, "tonight is your night. Embrace it."

Sarah's eyes flickered nervously in the dimly lit room. She fidgeted with her gown, feeling out of place in its intricate design.

"Come now," Malachi softly whispered, extending his hand to her. He stood tall, his gaze fierce and determined. His dark hair slicked back from his forehead in a way that perfectly complemented the firm lines of his face. He wore an armor of gold that bore a stark contrast to the gleam of embossed dragons upon it. He held a powerful aura which seemed to fill every inch of the room. Gently he grasped Sarah's hand, "Let me introduce you to your new servants. They will help you navigate the duties of a queen."

As they descended the winding staircase, Sarah was introduced to a court of well-dressed servants who bowed deeply in unison. Their eyes were downcast, but she could feel the weight of their scrutiny. A raven-haired woman stepped forward with a soft smile, her eyes warm yet distant.

"Your Majesty," she murmured in a thick Russian accent, "I am Eden, your head servant.

I and my fellow attendants are here to serve you in any way we can."

"Thank you, Eden," Sarah replied, her voice wavering slightly.

"Allow us to show you some of the key responsibilities you will have as queen," Eden continued, leading Sarah away from Malachi's watchful gaze. "You must learn the art of diplomacy, how to manage the affairs of court, and assure dominance over al other kingdoms."

As they walked through the sprawling estate, Sarah could feel the weight of her new identity settling upon her. She tried to focus on Eden's words, but her thoughts kept drifting back.

She wondered what she was missing and tried hard to focus.

"Your Majesty," another servant, a young man named Roan, spoke up, "you will also be responsible for overseeing various ceremonies and rituals, including those aligned with the lunar phases."

Sarah listened intently as they explained the importance of lunar magic in Hollow Earth, intrigued by the mysterious power that seemed to pulse within her very veins.

As the night wore on, Sarah felt a strange mixture of fear and awe. She was thrust into a world where the shadows lingered just a little too long and the halls seemed to breathe with their ghostly melodies. But in the depths of her soul, Sarah couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, that the darkness surrounding her held secrets waiting to be revealed.

"Your Majesty," murmured Eden, one of her newly appointed servants, "may I ask you about your past? We are curious to know more about our future queen."

Sarah swallowed hard, her eyes darting toward the door as if contemplating escape. "I... I don't remember much," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Surely you must recall something," pressed another servant, a tall, stoic man named

Roan. "We only wish to better understand and serve you."