The journey to the southern portion of the country on the train had already lasted for about a half day. Our transfer to the city of Tribus was something that our entire family, including my mother, father, and brother Avi, had been getting ready for over the course of several days.

At long last, three of the most influential families in the tribe agreed to let us move into the city.

In this community, the residence is restricted to a select few individuals. It is an honor for a family to be able to call a town that is governed by three united clans their home. The city has a wealth of natural resources and is a leader in a number of industries, including commerce, education, technology, and the armed forces.

Those who are interested in becoming citizens of the Tribus are required to go through an annual screening process administered by the Tribus government. Only the heads of families are permitted to attend the screening. In order to determine a family's overall capability, a series of interviews and examinations will be carried out.

Everyone who is successful in the test will be awarded an automatic job, a piece of land, and a home for the following 12 months.

I have no idea how my father was able to convince Leviste, Aragon, and Santi to allot land for our family in the prestigious city of Tribus. I was told that the only people who are eligible to become citizens are wealthy businesspeople and well-known public figures. While my mother had completed her first year of tertiary education, my father was a basic fisherman and did not complete secondary school.

My father's story was that he was only asked about family members, and the same was true for our mother. We told them about our lifestyle, Avi's talent, and my talent. They fully thought that we would not be able to pass, but the cycle of the screening process changed when one of the supervisors saw a picture of our entire family.

That's when my father began to have doubts. He said he felt that the Trinity: Leviste, Aragon, and Santi became more interested when they saw me in the picture. My father feared for my safety, so he did not return for the second phase of screening.

We were surprised when he received a golden card with the seal of the arcane circle. Despite my parents' not completing the screening process, our family still passed to become Tribus citizens.

My dad was on board with saying no, but my mom insisted it was for the best that we go. That, he said, was just as terrible as denying the existence of the Trinity Clan. They warned us that ignoring their generosity would only make our lives more difficult.

***

The train came to a stop at a contemporary station that was surrounded by thick forests. We have now arrived in the heart of the Tribe, which serves as a hub for commerce, learning, and the unknown.

"Stella, we're here," my dad gave the signal to descend, so we did. He was carrying the largest and heaviest piece of luggage out of the four that we carry that can fit inside this compartment.

Before entering the territory of the Tribe, I took a moment to clear my throat. Along with the musty aroma of the woods, I was overwhelmed by the aroma of freshly washed leaves that had just emerged from the rain. I moved in every direction. I get the impression that the whole city is shrouded in secrecy.

"Mr. and Mrs. Suarez?" At a safe distance, the deep and resonant tone of the man dressed in a trench coat drew everyone's attention. His golden eyes are stunning, and they are complemented with full eyelashes and eyebrows. His eyes are golden. He had a fedora on his head at the time. It has the appearance of a contemporary illusionist. The age of this man was somewhere in his twenties.

"Sir Mikael?" my father inquired, with some trepidation. As a sign of respect for the wealthy-appearing man, it took the worn-out hat off of its head.

"Yes, it's me, Mister Suarez. I was dispatched here by Mr. Strenon Santi to pick you up and give you a tour of the area.

"Oh, thank you, sir Mikael. It's great to finally put a face to the name. A harsh statement was made by my mother when she was bitterly mending the green cloak that she had just completed cleaning a week ago.

The man chuckled to himself. When he spotted Avi and me, his face lit up like an angel, and it appeared as though his eyes had vanished altogether. He offers to give credit to both of us on his own. "Would you say that this angel over here is Stella, and the little one over there is Avi?"

"Yes," I confirmed softly.

The redness on the tip of Sir Mikael's ear caught my attention. He couldn't look at me directly, so he focused on my younger brother.

"This is how the car is. I'll take you to your house first, and then show you around Tribus." The man is still pleasant. It has already taken a step.

My attention was caught by the tail of his trench coat as it swished in the wind. It seems to be a walking deity. As I watched the man, I confirmed that the Tribus was as terrifying as the stories claimed.

If only my father had not questioned the procedure of selecting us as Tribal residents, they may be quite thrilled now at the beauty of welcoming us.

Our limousine ride to the east side of town was quite roomy. My sister Avi was happily munching on the food they had prepared for us while gentle music played in the background.

The fact that we drove through a gated community just added to my shock. Incredibly, Sir Mikael welcomed us inside his wonderful home. A tiny, two-story home crafted from sturdy timber and concrete. There are three bedrooms and a patio for us to use.

The home was immaculately clean, and it included a tidy front yard with a few potted plants. Each requirement might be met within the home's various rooms. While lounging on one of the couches in the sitting area, you may take advantage of the television, blue-ray player, stereo, or any of the available literature. The kitchen and the dining room are connected to the hallway, which features three closets, a climbing way area leading to the roof, and a staircase leading up from the main door. There was a table with chairs in front of the windows that offered a view of the backyard, and there was an arched entryway that provided a view of the stove, refrigerator, cupboards, and counters in the kitchen. Two of the bedrooms featured windows that were close to the beds, seats, and drawers that included space for amenities, personal computers, and music players. In one of the bathrooms, there was a bathtub, a shower cubicle that was separate, a basin, a cabinet, and a toilet close to a window.

As soon as she got home, Avi went straight to her room while her parents checked on things in the kitchen. It was just me and a helpless Sir Mikael in the living room when they left. I saw him dabbing at his face with a towel. It was not successful in concealing the blush, which I detected almost immediately.

"Today is particularly warm," he said, while he grinned, his blue eyes reverted to their brown color.

"Yes, Sir Mikael," I agreed. However, in my head, I am playing out the different explanations for why the man is sweating and becoming red because it is too much for him.

Under his trench coat, he sensed something. He turned back to me with a frown. The leaf-like shape formed by the intersection of two circles of equal diameter, both of which are centered on the circumference of the other, is depicted on a card with the trinity knot symbol.

"Here is an invitation from Mr. Strenon Santi. She's inviting all new members of the Tribus Government which means, you and your family must attend."

I gaped at the Trinity symbol in that spot. There was something about that invitation that made me uneasy. But I did what my mom had told me to do and accepted the offer with a genuine smile.

"Thank you, Sir Mikael."

"Nothing, Stella." He turned around to fix the attache case that was placed on the table in front of the sofa. "I h—have to go. I still have a family to pick up."

"Oh, too s-"

"Yeah. The schedule is quite busy when this is the opening of the year. Please tell your parents, I'm ahead. I'll see you around!"

"Sure, sir!"

A response from the individual was nonexistent. He bolted out of the home. His behavior was very strange. My brother Avi can attest that when they were together, he was not at all like this. When asked, I gave a vigorous shake of my head.

This invitation was the first one I'd ever opened. As before, the trinity knot and the Tribus seal made a reappearance. The city is ruled by three famous families, whose surnames surround the mysterious seal.