Page 152 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Today he would face everything head-on.

Training with his friends.

Then the palace.

Then his father’s wrath.

A whistle cut through the air, sharp and metallic. The incoming train screeched along the tracks, slowing as passengers shuffled toward the edge of the platform. Rain’s empathic senses stretched instinctively, brushing through the carriages like invisible fingertips.

He searched for familiar signatures and found them.

Thomas and Emily.

Relief washed through him, loosening the knot in his chest. He pushed away from the wall, choosing to meet them first rather than wait for the entire group to descend on him at once.

Emily hopped off the train, spinning to face Thomas; then spotted Rain.

She squealed.

Rain barely had time to brace before she launched herself at him. He crouched, arms open, catching her mid-jump and pulling her into a tight hug.

“Yay, you came! We didn’t think we would see you today!”

He set her down gently, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Thomas approached with a warm grin, clasping Rain’s hand firmlybefore patting his shoulder.

“Hey, man,” he said, voice steady and genuine. He jerked his chin toward the rear of the train. “The others should be at the back. With things still cray, we figured it was safest to ride separately.”

There was an undercurrent in his tone; unease, caution, the lingering tension of a kingdom on edge.

Thomas lowered his voice, leaning in slightly.

“Wanna dish any intel on how things are going down south?”

Rain exhaled slowly.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t been home yet. I’m heading back after training. I had things to wrap up before I face my father.” His jaw tightened. “I don’t know how that’s going to play out. I may not have much freedom for a while if he sees my actions as betrayal.”

He gritted his teeth.

“So, you know… getting all my ducks in a row before I enter the palace.”

Jay’s presence brushed against him.

Warm.

Familiar.

Painfully familiar.

Rain tensed, keeping his back turned. Jay’s aura wrapped around him like a hesitant touch; anxious, uncertain, riddled with insecure thoughts that filtered into Rain’s mind before he could block them.

Emily greeted the group behind him.

That was Rain’s cue.

He turned to face them.