The blue-violet birds returned at dawn, their calm restored. Their songs resumed, melody slipping through the dark trees surrounding the west wing garden. The birds feathers soft and bright, like thin threads of glowing gems pulled through the air. Branches that had been bare with the gloom trapped in the garden, now carried small flashes of purple as the birds nested, wings folding and unfolding in quick, careful motions.
Raven heard their songs as she opened her eyes to her velvety curtains. She sat up at once, excitement bubbling in her chest. The sky was still dark, faint glints of dawn peeking through her open windows. She dressed quickly, pulled on her training clothes, and slipped out before the halls filled with servants. The training yard was empty, with the insects still giddy about their temporary authority.
She drew her sword, red runes lighting up it's surface. it had been a gift from her dad for her sixteenth year old birthday, which was a little over a month ago.
Her eyes sharpened, blade aligned at an angle with the ground. Her feet moved, swiftly striking the wooden dummy at the other side of the yard. Her figure leaving blurry after images. Her breathe was calm and soft, the training not enough to make her sweat. The blade hummed faintly as she moved. Taking a pause, she adjusted her footwork, heat gathering in her chest. This time though, sweat glazed her forehead, her back straight and her muscles tensed. Red flames flared in her palms, gently enveloping the gleaming sword. Her mind focused, releasing a slash that burned the air, the dummy was no more, its ashes floating gently in the early morning breeze.
Her heart was loud in her ears. She smiled a little to celebrate an increase in her control and mental force. Sheathing her sword, she breathed in the morning air, clearing her mind of her previous success.
Returning to her room, she washed up and changed. Coming out of her doors, the sight of the rising sun melting her heart. Reveling in the fascination of the world, she moved through the halls, to her father's office where she sensed his aura.
**********
Damian's office door was open. He stood within dressed in his long dark coat, hair tied back in a ponytail, a few strand hanging over his deep red eyes. His slender fingers carefully arranged the stacks of work documents lying helplessly on the desk. raising his head, a smile plastered on his refined face. His eyes a little brighter than usual, visualizing his uplifted mood.
"You're early," he said with a cheer in his tone.
"So are you.", Raven responded with an equally cheerful tone.
He smiled faintly.
"Excited?"
"Yes."
He finished packing the documents and walked to her.
"Ready?"
She nodded hard. He smiled. He had missed this childish side of hers.
They left together.
The limo waited by the gates, its elegant black surface shimmering under the sunlight, smooth like still water.
Inside, Raven sat straight, hands on her knees.
Damian watched her from the corner of his eye.
"You don't have to be nervous."
"I'm not."
"You're bouncing."
She stopped.
He chuckled quietly.
The city unfolded outside the windows.
The Tall buildings flaunting their majesty. the lights exposing a world almost unknown.
Then the Blood Wing headquarters rose into view.
It towered over the rest, like an eternal king.
Its exterior covered in cold hard black glass, reflecting the bustling of the city. Thin golden runes drifted across the surface of its sixty floors. pulsing in resonance with the barrier above the city.
At the very top, light bent strangely around its tip. That was the barrier node. one of the anchor of the capital's protection.
Raven stared.
"It's bigger than the mansion."
"Everything is bigger when it costs more to build," Damian said.
They stepped out, walking straight into the towering building. The creatures rushing along the reflective hallways all taking a pause to bow. The sight was truly magnificent.
Going up through the private elevator on the first floor, they reached the double doors hiding the interior of the CEO's office. Nairel stood by waiting on the duo. He wore his usual silver suit, silver hair loose over his shoulders, eyes calm and cold like frozen lakes, 'captivating'.
"Good morning," he said.
Raven waved. "Good morning."
His lips curved slightly.
"Prince of ice smiles?" Damian muttered.
Nairel ignored him, opening the doors of the office. The large doors opened into silence. The walls of the office were lined with dark wood, releasing a refreshing scent.
Soft lights hung on the ceiling, a contrast to the cold colors surrounding the office's interior.
Damian walked in first but paused just in front of his desk and turned back. " Nairel give my princess a tour, show her the ropes a little. i have something to do first".
Nairel agreed with a light 'hmm', eyes a little bright. Taking the elevator down from the top floor, Nairel began his introductions.
"This is my domain," Nairel said. "And today, your classroom."
Raven followed him.
They passed offices where people spoke in low voices. Rooms filled with glowing screens. Floors where machines hummed behind glass walls.
"This department handles trade routes."
"That floor is security."
"This one monitors barrier stability."
Raven listened closely.
She asked questions.
Nairel answered all of them, his voice gentle .
After the tour, they returned to Damian's office. Sitting behind his desk filled with papers, his gaze a stark contrast to the warmth and gentleness from before.
He got up as he sensed their aura's coming towards his office. He glanced at the watch strapped round his wrist, a couple hours had already passed. it was time for the board conference.
"Come with us to the meeting," Damian said looking at the duo at the door, his gaze directed to his daughter.
She hesitated. "Am I allowed?"
"Yes." Damian responded eliciting a wide grin from his daughter.
Going out of the office, they walked passed a couple locked doors in the hallway on the top floor and finally arrived in front of another double door, this one more grand than Damian's office door.
**********