[Ekari Kingdom]
Rumble.
Rumble.
Sitting in the back seat of a car, I gazed out the window at the sky as thunder rumbled across the vast and lively Athera City—the capital city of the Ekari Kingdom.
The rumbling of thunder was a constant backdrop, but its sound was often drowned out by the excited and loud noises of people celebrating in the streets.
The gentle light of the sunset peeked through the clouds, illuminating the tall, artistic buildings.
Even though it had been a long time since I moved outside the Pargoina Empire, I didn't feel any happiness.
My heartbeat pounded in my ears as I bit my fingernails, trying to control the sticky emotions that clung to me.
I wanted more space to be comfortable, to relax my nerves...
.....but I couldn't because I wasn't alone.