The train’s seats were comfortable and plush, with a small table in between the two seats. Everything was dark in color, with red and blue embellishments and blue lights in old-fashioned lanterns. Furnished, lighter colored wood made up much of the floor, tables, and walls, blending nicely with the other darker tones. It had an old-time, homey feel to it while still being elegant.

Delilah smiled as Lark took it all in. “It’s nice, hmm?”

“Beautiful.” Said Lark with an impressed nod, voice soft.

Delilah folded his legs and motioned to a little screen in the middle of the table. “We can get food and drinks and stuff, but I ate a lot of breakfast.”

He stopped and his eyes widened. “Wait did you eat?”

Lark shook his head.

“Lark! Argh, did you just wake up and meet me?”

Lark nodded.

“Going to order you some… lunch now, I guess!” The train horn blew over Delilah’s irritated but concerned mumbling while he poked at the screen, ordering some sandwiches and drinks.

The train soon rolled out of the station and Lark snuggled into the seat with his bag in his lap. The bag hummed faintly and he tossed it on the seat next to him, bringing his legs up to curl into a ball. Delilah was staring out the window as the city scrolled by, occasionally glancing at Lark.

Eyes drooping, Lark tried to focus on something, but a little blue flame overhead was the wrong thing. It jumped and flickered with gentle movements, colors blending into each other so smoothly it was hard to look away. Before he knew it, the flame had lulled him to sleep.

… …

… … …

A dark dream, cold and filled with blue lights.

They weren’t warm and comforting like the ones he knew, instead making him shiver. Nothing but gloomy expanse, the glittering flames and an endless sea of stars. The sky was black as ink, despite the gleaming brightness reflected below.

Lark started walking, hoping to find anything in the emptiness. A barren, soundless landscape was all he saw.

Something splashed on the ground behind him and he spun, seeing his own leather bag. Not going towards it, Lark narrowed his eyes.

Opening with invisible assistance the small package came tumbling out, revealing a tear-shaped crystal totem of sorts that stood on its own.

Deciding it looked safe enough to pick up, Lark leaned down and lifted it from the floor. Instantly, nausea and dread coursed through him. The crystal dropped from his hands and crashed to the ground, splintering.

Falling to his knees Lark heaved, feeling sicker than he ever had in his life. His palms seared with hot pain as small shards dug into his skin.

Sweat dripped down his face and he closed his eyes tight enough to hurt.

“Lark!”

A voice, calling out to him. Muffled by unseen forces.

“LARK!”

--!

Jolting upright, Lark took a deep breath as if he had been underwater. Looking around frantically he saw Delilah leaning over him, worried.

“Are you okay? That dream you were having made you look all pale.”

“Dream…?” Managed Lark, mouth like cotton.

Glancing at his bag, he went quiet. It wasn’t open. His hands didn’t burn.

He looked out the window and saw the train had stopped, stone walls with black archways taking up the window. Delilah shoved a package at Lark and pointed at it.

“It’s kind of cold now but I got you some food. Please eat, that’s probably why you were having nightmares.”

Glancing in the paper bag Lark saw a peanut butter sandwich, a toasted bagel with salmon cream cheese, and a glass bottle of juice. Tearing into the bagel, he scrambled to follow Delilah from the train car. The bagel was delicious and he realized just how hungry he was.

“Whew!” Disembarking, Delilah stretched out her arms and arched her back. “Long ride but it’s not too bad. You missed the scenery, though.”

She beckoned Lark to her side. “Now you get a tour of the Royal City, courtesy of me.”

Nodding eagerly, Lark shoved the last bite of bagel into his mouth. Completely forgetting about the dream amidst the excitement of being in the demon capital for the first time, he hopped down the steps.