Axelius leaned his small head against the window, his eyes wide with quiet wonder. The town looked like something from an old storybook—stone buildings with wooden beams, tall chimneys, and colorful flags waving in the breeze.
But mixed in were things that felt oddly modern: glowing crystal lamps on iron posts, clean signs written with flowing letters, and even a few children playing with toy drones shaped like birds.
"See that bakery?" Adelheida pointed excitedly, hugging Axelius a little tighter. "They make honey-cinnamon rolls so soft they melt in your mouth!"
"And over there!" Liselotte added, almost leaning over him. "That's the ink shop I told you about! They sell enchanted quills that never run out of ink!"
The girls were lively, excited to show off their favorite parts of the town. Axelius blinked and looked around as they passed a wide open space filled with fire and smoke. A strong, metallic scent filled the air.
