The days leading up to the trip flew by. Between classes and scrambling to get everything ready, Jeremy barely had time to think. Andrew grumbled when their dad’s gear showed up, but, to Jeremy’s relief, he eventually caved and took it.
Jeremy had also started to feel better—not perfect, but good enough that walking no longer felt like his ribs were stabbing him with every step. The constant ache in his chest had dulled to a manageable throb, and he could finally breathe without wincing. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make him feel a little more like himself.
Whenever he had a spare minute, Jeremy skimmed the notes Marcus had sent about his city, Luminaris. The stuff Marcus described sounded unreal—huge skyscrapers, people everywhere, and entire districts for trading rare items. Jeremy could hardly wrap his head around it. He’d said it so casually, like it wasn’t the most amazing thing Jeremy had ever heard. Of course, Marcus had mentioned that they wouldn’t get to buy much—kids couldn’t own Essence unless they collected it themselves.
Finally, the day arrived. Jeremy tightened the straps on his bag as they stood in the academy teleporter room. He glanced over at Marcus, who was grinning like he owned the place, rattling off instructions to the attendant like it was no big deal.
Andrew stood beside him, quiet but alert. Across the room, Mia and Timothy were whispering about what they’d packed, while Perci leaned against a pillar, fiddling with her bracelet. Jeremy noticed her watching Marcus and Timothy with an amused look, but when her gaze flicked toward him, he quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the glowing platform instead. He hoped she hadn’t caught him staring.
“All set?” Marcus called, already stepping onto the platform.
Jeremy glanced at Andrew, who gave a small, tight nod. “Let’s do this,” Jeremy said, his heart thudding as he stepped forward.
The hum of the teleporter filled the room, climbing to a high-pitched whine as the runes under their feet lit up. In the blink of an eye, the world around them dissolved into light.
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When Jeremy blinked, the world had shifted. Skyscrapers stretched like crystal towers into the sky, twisting and changing like they were alive. Bridges of light connected them, crisscrossing high above. The sky shimmered in purples and golds, streaked with moving lights like shooting stars. It felt like stepping into a completely different reality.
His jaw dropped. He turned in place, struggling to take it all in. The sheer size of everything made Eldoria seem tiny—like something out of a storybook he’d already outgrown.
“This is…” Jeremy trailed off, completely lost for words.
“Insane?” Marcus offered, his grin stretching wider as he soaked up their reactions.
“Overwhelming,” Andrew muttered, his eyes darting around the plaza. “It’s… too much. Way too much.”
“It’s kind of beautiful though,” Mia said, stepping closer. Her voice was soft, like she was savoring the moment.
Jeremy nodded, but a strange feeling crept into his chest—like he didn’t quite belong here. Everything about Luminaris was shiny, but also cold. The polished streets and glowing bridges were incredible, sure, but Eldoria’s dirt paths and wooden fences had something this place didn’t: charm. He shook off the thought, forcing himself to focus on Marcus’s easy confidence. If Marcus could act like this was normal, maybe he could too.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jeremy caught Perci walking a step behind him. Her gaze flicked through the sights, lingering on the glowing buildings and bustling streets. For a moment, he wondered what she thought of all this. His eyes stayed on her a little too long, and when she glanced his way, he quickly turned his attention back to Marcus, hoping she hadn’t noticed.
Marcus clapped a hand on his shoulder, breaking the silence. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. Come on, the house isn’t far.”
Jeremy glanced at Andrew. His brother’s face was tight, his eyes still darting like he was looking for something solid to hold onto. “You okay?” Jeremy asked quietly.
Andrew hesitated before nodding. “Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s just… stick together.”
Jeremy gave him a quick smile. “Always.”
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As they left the busy plaza, Jeremy glanced back at the glowing skyscrapers one last time. The constant noise of the city had quieted, replaced by the soft hum of streetlights. It wasn’t like Eldoria’s quiet, with birds and wind. This quiet felt heavier—almost like the city was holding its breath. Jeremy stepped a little closer to Andrew without really thinking about it. The lively energy of the plaza had faded, leaving behind something colder.
“There it is,” Marcus said, pointing ahead with a lopsided grin. His voice sounded lighter than usual, like he was trying too hard to sound casual. Jeremy noticed the way Marcus’s eyes flicked toward the house before quickly looking back at them. “Wait until you see the inside,” he added, grinning again, but Jeremy couldn’t help but notice the tiny pause.
Jeremy blinked. House? It looked more like some kind of museum. The sleek, shiny walls looked almost metallic, reflecting the streetlights like polished stone. Massive windows gave a perfect view of the spotless interior. Even the garden looked pristine.
“Everything here feels fake,” he thought, looking at the glowing flowers. The house looked cool, sure, but it also felt... wrong. Like it wasn’t really for Marcus at all.
“This is your house?” Perci asked, letting out a small laugh. “I was expecting something... I don’t know, cozier.”
Marcus rolled his eyes. “It’s not about cozy; it’s about quality,” he said, trying to sound smug. “Besides, wait until you see the inside.”
The front gate opened with a smooth whoosh as Marcus stepped forward. A clean, faintly floral scent filled the air, but it didn’t feel welcoming. Everything here felt like it had been polished and arranged for someone else’s approval—not for Marcus.
“Welcome to the Valen estate!” Marcus said, spreading his arms like he was making a grand announcement.
Before anyone could reply, the front door swung open. A boy their age appeared, leaning against the frame with a mischievous grin. He had the same sharp green eyes as Marcus, but his hair was a messy mop of darker curls.
“So, this is the circus you brought home,” the boy said, crossing his arms as he looked over the group. “Did you bribe them to hang out with you, or is this, like, a new charity thing?”
Marcus sighed. “Hi, Noah. Everyone, meet my little brother. He’s even more annoying than he looks.”
“Wow, thanks,” Noah shot back before turning to the group with a dramatic bow. “I’m Noah. The likable one in the family.”
Perci laughed. “I like him already.”
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Marcus groaned. “Please don’t encourage him.”
“Come on,” Noah said, ignoring Marcus as he waved them inside. “Mom and Dad are waiting. Try not to embarrass yourself too much.”
Jeremy followed the group into the house, and the inside was even more over-the-top than the outside. The walls seemed to glow faintly, casting a warm light across the polished floors. Magical runes shimmered faintly in the corners of the ceiling, and Jeremy guessed they were some kind of protection spell.
In the middle of the living room stood two adults. Marcus’s dad was tall and broad-shouldered, with the same sharp eyes as his sons. Next to him was Marcus’s mom, an elegant woman with auburn hair tied back in a neat twist. Her smile was warm, but her sharp eyes seemed to notice everything.
“Welcome,” Marcus’s dad said in a deep, calm voice. “I’m Edric Valen. This is my wife, Celeste.”
“It’s so nice to finally meet Marcus’ friends,” Celeste said, her smile growing as she looked over the group. Her gaze paused for a moment on Jeremy and Andrew.
Jeremy shifted under her gaze. He wasn’t sure if she was just being polite or if there was something else behind her words. Did she know something about him and Andrew? Or was she just... intense?
“Mom, Dad, this is the group,” Marcus said, gesturing toward his friends. “That’s Perci, Timothy, Mia, Jeremy, and Andrew.”
Celeste’s smile brightened. “It’s wonderful to have you here.” She turned her focus back to Jeremy and Andrew, her expression unreadable. “Especially you two.”
Jeremy tensed. What was that supposed to mean?
“Jeremy, Andrew,” Celeste said, her tone polite but curious. “Your parents must have a fascinating perspective on humanity’s future. Adrian and Helena Hoppins have been key figures for so many centuries, haven’t they?” Her gaze lingered on them for a heartbeat longer than expected, her warm smile hiding something sharper, more calculating.
Jeremy felt his stomach twist. Why was she asking about his parents? He glanced at Andrew, who stood stiffly beside him. Was Andrew as uncomfortable as he was?
“Don’t just stand there,” Noah said, breaking the tension with a grin. “Come on in, unless you’re scared my parents are going to start quizzing you on your life goals or something.”
“Noah,” Edric said, his tone mild but firm. Noah shrugged, his grin never wavering, before stepping aside to let them pass.
As Jeremy followed the others deeper into the house, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Celeste’s questions weren’t just polite small talk. There was something behind them—something that made him feel like he and Andrew were being weighed and measured. But why?
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Marcus led them up the shiny stone staircase. The walls were bright white, with weird paintings of swirling colors and random shapes. Jeremy couldn’t tell if they were supposed to mean something or just look expensive. Everything about it screamed, “Don’t touch this.”
“This way,” Marcus said, stopping at the first door in the hallway. His voice sounded a little too cheerful, like he was trying hard to sell something he didn’t really believe in. He pushed the door open with a dramatic flourish. “The entertainment room.”
Jeremy stepped inside and frowned. A giant leather couch stretched across the room, facing an equally massive screen that took up most of the far wall. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with untouched board games, sparkling card decks, and rows of books that seemed untouched. Everything was too neat—like someone had set it all up for show, not to actually use.
“You have this many games?” Perci asked, grabbing a random box and holding it up. “Do you even play any of these?”
Marcus scratched the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes. “Not really. It’s just… there. You know, in case someone wants to play.”
Andrew ran a finger along the coffee table and held it up like he was inspecting for dust. There wasn’t any. “It’s like no one even sits in here,” he said, his voice flat.
Jeremy glanced around. Everything about the room felt stiff, like it was waiting for someone to mess it up but no one ever dared to. Back at the academy, while his suite was luxurious, it also felt personal, like it was made for him to live in. This? It felt like a museum exhibit. Even the couch cushions looked like they’d never been squished by anyone sitting on them.
“You don’t really hang out here, do you?” Jeremy asked.
Marcus shrugged, his grin twitching for a second before he forced it back into place. “Not really. I mean, who would I even play with? Noah? Yeah, right. He’d cheat and then spend the rest of the week bragging about it.”
Mia wandered to the edge of the room, her eyes darting between the shelves and the spotless floor. “It’s… nice,” she said, but her tone made it clear she didn’t really mean it.
Jeremy nodded, though a weird sort of sadness gnawed at him. For all its flashiness, the room felt kind of empty, like it was trying to be fun but never actually got the chance.
“Not bad,” Jeremy said, trying to keep the mood from getting awkward. “It’s definitely… organized.”
Marcus chuckled, but it didn’t sound quite right. “Exactly. Organized chaos, just like me.”
“More like just organized,” Noah called from the doorway, leaning against the frame with a smug grin. His eyes flicked over the group, like he was trying to see who’d agree with him. “Chaos needs people. This place barely has that.”
Marcus groaned, throwing his hand toward the hallway like he was shooing Noah away. “Get lost Noah. Don’t you have anything better to do?”
Noah’s grin widened. “Not really. Watching you pretend to be cool is pretty entertaining.”
Jeremy laughed under his breath, shaking his head. “What’s next on the tour?”
Marcus gestured toward the hallway, his earlier excitement fading just a little. “The kitchen. Get ready to be blown away by countertops no one’s allowed to use.”
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After the house tour, the group gathered near the front door. Marcus’s parents were waiting there, somehow looking even more formal under the soft glow of the lights. Celeste adjusted her fancy wrap, giving Marcus a sharp look.
“Marcus,” she said, her tone nice but with just enough edge to make it clear she wasn’t messing around, “remember, dinner is at six sharp. Don’t let the city distract you too much.” Her gaze flicked over to Jeremy and Andrew. “We wouldn’t want to miss the chance to really get to know your friends.”
Marcus rolled his eyes. “Yes, Mom. I know. Dinner, promptly. Got it.”
Edric raised an eyebrow, his calm-but-serious expression making it clear there wasn’t room for mistakes. “You’re responsible for your guests, Marcus. Don’t lose track of time.”
Marcus groaned, but his nod was automatic. “Yes, sir. We won’t be late.”
Jeremy caught a flicker of something in Marcus’s face—like frustration, but heavier. It wasn’t the usual annoyance Marcus showed when Noah teased him. This felt more like... pressure. Everything in the Valen house seemed to be wrapped in this weird, polite-but-strict vibe.
“Don’t worry,” Perci said with a smirk, cutting through the tension. “We’ll keep him on track.”
Celeste’s expression softened as she glanced at the group. “Enjoy the city, everyone. It’s beautiful this time of year.”
The door slid shut behind them with a quiet hiss as they stepped into the street. Marcus let out a dramatic sigh of relief, running a hand through his hair. “Well, that’s over. Who’s ready to see a city that doesn’t feel like it’s silently judging you?”
Jeremy couldn’t help but grin. “Lead the way, Mr. Responsible.”
Andrew muttered, “Just don’t get us lost.”
Marcus turned, walking backward down the smooth, glowing pavement, a confident grin creeping back onto his face. “Relax. You’re in my city now. I’ve got this.”
The group fell into step behind him, heading toward the heart of Luminaris. Jeremy glanced back at the estate. It already felt like it was fading into the background as the city lights came alive around them.
The house had been impressive, sure, but out here—among the flashing signs, moving vehicles, and sprawling streets—Marcus seemed different. More relaxed.
As Marcus started pointing out landmarks, from floating markets to giant fountains, Jeremy let himself relax. Whatever weird expectations Marcus’s parents had back there didn’t seem to matter now. For the moment, they were just a group of friends exploring something incredible. Jeremy felt a flicker of excitement as the city stretched out before them, endless and alive.