The morning air was crisp and cool as the group set out just before dawn. Aiden walked alongside Adrian and his parents, feeling a mix of curiosity and feae. The sky was painted in hues of pink and gold, but Aiden barely noticed, his thoughts focused on their destination.
"Wombwell Woods, you said?" Aiden asked, his green eyes glancing between the three of them. "What exactly are we doing there?"
Adrian smirked as he adjusted the straps of his bag. "You'll see when we get there. Don't be so impatient."
Aiden frowned slightly. "It's not impatience, Adrian. It's just that Barnsley is about three hours away from Surrey by car. I find it odd that we're heading out so early when the journey will take a while."
Einya, walking ahead of them, turned with a small smile. "You don't need to worry about that, Aiden. We won't be taking a vehicle."
Aiden raised a brow. "Then how, exactly, do you intend for us to travel such a distance?"
From her bag, Einya pulled out four small, smooth stones etched with glowing runes. The light shimmered faintly in the early morning sun. "These," she said, holding them up for Aiden to see.
Aiden tilted his head, intrigued. "What are those?"
"These are called karatula stones," Einya explained. "They're rune stones imbued with small amounts of magic—just enough for a single-use spell. In Espera, they're quite common. Each region has its own type of karatula, but here in Soleil, we use the Alab language. It's powered by light, which activates the magic within."
Aiden blinked. "And they're going to get us to Barnsley?"
Vesper chuckled as he joined the conversation. "Indeed. The karatula will make the journey much faster than any car ever could."
Einya handed a stone to each of them, and Aiden turned his over in his hand, examining the intricate markings. "So, what do I do with it?"
"Simply toss it into the air like a coin and think of your destination," Vesper instructed. "When the sunlight hits the rune, it will activate."
Aiden hesitated, his cautious nature kicking in.
"And what happens then? I'm not particularly fond of surprises."
"You'll feel a slight... tug," Vesper said with a knowing smile. "Don't resist it, and you'll be just fine."
"You get whisked away, obviously. It's magic, Chase, not rocket science," Adrian also replied.
Ignoring Adrian's quip, Aiden took a steadying breath and did as instructed.
He tossed the stone into the air, and as it spun, a ray of sunlight caught the runes, making them pulse with brilliant light. Before Aiden could admire the sight, a force gripped him, pulling him forward with an intensity that made his stomach lurch.
The world around him blurred, and a dizzying sensation overtook him. Then, with a thud, he landed on the ground, air rushing from his lungs.
"Oi, you alright there, mate?" Adrian's teasing voice rang out as he crouched beside Aiden, a grin plastered on his face. "You look like you've seen better days."
"I feel like I've had better days," Aiden retorted, pushing himself up to his knees with a slight wince. "If that's what magic transportation feels like, I might prefer a three-hour car ride."
Adrian laughed, his grey eyes sparkling with amusement. "You'll get used to it. Or maybe you won't. Either way, you're still alive."
Aiden shot him a withering look, though the corners of his mouth twitched in reluctant amusement.
"Not helpful, Adrian."
Once the dizziness faded, Aiden stood and dusted off his jacket. Adrian clapped him on the back, grinning. "Take a look around. You might forget about the nausea."
Aiden turned, his gaze landing on a large stone staircase nestled in the woods.
It rose steeply, its top disappearing into the canopy above. The morning light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows that danced across the ancient steps.
"What is this?" Aiden asked, his green eyes narrowing in confusion.
Vesper approached, standing beside him. "Have you ever heard stories about staircases in the woods, Aiden?" he asked.
Aiden nodded slowly. "I've heard a few. People disappearing when they go up them. I always thought they were just urban legends."
Einya stepped forward, her expression thoughtful. "They're not legends, Aiden. Those staircases are gateways between Earth and Espera. There are other methods to travel between the two worlds, but the staircases are one of the most common ways."
Aiden stared at the staircase, his scepticism evident. "And you're saying this one leads to Espera?"
Vesper nodded. "It does. Specifically, to Soleil."
The idea was absurd, and yet, Aiden couldn't deny the strange pull he felt as he looked at the staircase. It was as though it was calling to him, daring him to take the first step.
Vesper broke the silence, offering to go first.Without hesitation, he began ascending the staircase. As he reached the top, he seemed to vanish into thin air.
Aiden's eyes widened, but before he could speak, Einya followed, disappearing just as Vesper had.
Adrian clapped Aiden on the back, grinning. "Your turn, Chase. Don't look so terrified. It's perfectly safe."
Aiden hesitated, glancing at the staircase. "Safe? They just disappeared. How do I know I won't fall off or... or worse?"
"You won't. Trust me."
Aiden shot him a sceptical look. "That's not particularly reassuring."
"Come on," Adrian said, starting up the stairs. "Just close your eyes and push forward when you reach the last step. You'll feel a barrier, but you've got to trust it."
Aiden sighed, muttering under his breath about how ridiculous the situation was, but eventually, he placed a foot on the first step. The staircase felt solid beneath him, but as he climbed higher, the air around him grew warmer, almost electric.
When he reached the last step, he stopped. There was indeed something there- an invisible barrier that blocked his way. He hesitated, glancing down at Adrian, who was still climbing behind him.
"Close your eyes and push," Adrian said cheerfully. "And don't worry, you're not going to fall. If you do, though, I'll catch you. Maybe."
"If I fall, Adrian, I'll make sure you regret it."
Adrian laughed.
"Noted."
Taking a deep breath, Aiden closed his eyes and pressed forward. For a moment, he felt resistance, but then the barrier gave way. Warmth surrounded him, and he heard a voice—calm and melodic—speak directly to him:
"Aiden Chase, welcome to Soleil."
When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in a vast, sunlit landscape. The air was rich with the scent of flowers and the hum of life. The sky above was a vivid blue, dotted with floating islands that glimmered like jewels.
Adrian appeared beside him, grinning. "Told you it wouldn't be so bad."
Aiden looked around, his awe evident despite his efforts to appear composed. "This... is Soleil?"
Einya and Vesper approached, their expressions warm and Mrs. Caleena enveloped Aiden into a side-hug.
"Welcome to your new home," Einya said softly.