“I wouldn't be in here with a bad driver. I wouldn't ride with my brother for a while until he learned this sort of magic.”
“How can he…” I thought only descendants of Gifts could do magic.I look up at the white suited chauffer. He definitely doesn't look like a Gift.
“Well, my chauffeur, Vincent, is a descendant of Estrella, so magic comes to him naturally. But you could do it if you get an enchanted driver’s license.”
“And what does Estrella have to do with machines?” She's the Gift of Fire as far as I'm aware, and unless I'm blind, nothing about this machine is made of fire.
“Well, Estrella's descendants have done a lot of research and experiments into making spells and machines to share with the world,” he says slowly in a high pitch, like this is common knowledge. “They've been finding new enchantments for decades now alongside Valentina’s kids. Their kingdoms are known for that.”
Decades? This has been going on for decades? And since when did the Gift of Morality get involved with machines? At least Estrella's powers include something tangible. Valentina's morals can't create anything!
I knew history books at home needed to be updated, but I didn't think it was this bad.
I glance at the other cars driving by. “What happens if we crash into other cars? Why are these made from wood? Isn't that weak material?”
Amias snickers. “It's really made of iron, but the wood colors and patterns look nicer with the environment. It would be pretty stupid to make it out of real wood though, wouldn't it?”
I titter and glance at the floor. “It would.”
“Besides, crashes don't happen too often, as long as everyone is being responsible. Have you… ever been in a car before?”
I shake my head. We've always gone on foot at home. At best, a wagon maybe. “Is this new?”
“No. Cars have been a thing for about fifty years.” He lets out a soft chuckle. “Where have you been where there's no cars?”
My breath gets caught in my throat. I can't tell him I'm from Somnia. What other kingdom doesn't have cars?
Names of kingdoms flicker in my mind, my pulse quickening with every silent second, until I settle on one. “Lluvia.” I bite my tongue, praying that I chose a logical answer.
Amias grunts. “Did you live in the Nix?”
I have no idea what that place is, but I nod. Maybe that's a lead in the right direction.
“Ah. I hear there's a big poverty issue there.”
“Yes.” I sigh, relieved that my answer made sense. “It was really difficult back there.”
“I'm sure it was.” His voice is soothing despite my skepticism. “You won't have to worry about that here. I'll provide you with a fresh start. I can get you a home, some money, and look for a job.” His eyes seem to twinkle. “You can thrive here. I know it!”
I find his enthusiasm intriguing. It's truly unique. Back in Somnia, help isn't accepted by most. It's every dreamscreecher for themselves.
Or at least it is now. I've heard that it was different before I was born.
“Not to interrupt, but you don't think your brother will be upset that you left early?” the chauffeur asks.
“I attended his speech and the opening ceremony. He won't notice. Besides, he'll understand once he knows the reason.” Amias winks my way.
I raise a brow. “You came here with him?”
“Not really. It's his celebration though”
I slowly nod as I turn to the window, taking in all the red and pink decorations everywhere. Streamers link every streetlamp, with flowers intertwined with them. People inmatching dresses and suits grab goods from tents and cars attached to large boxes. “You mean… all of this is for him?”
“Yeah, well what more could you expect?” He mumbles. “It's for Erasmus after all. He found his soulmate just a few weeks ago.”
I swing my head back at the name. Erasmus. Sounds familiar. “What makes him so important?”
Amias slouches over, the twinkle in his eyes dimming. He crosses his arms over his stomach. “Well, he's the only grandson of Amara with a soulmate, so…it's a pretty big deal.”
