Chapter 16 #2
My shoulders slump in relief. Humans finding out about us is the worst possible scenario, but if things keep going the way they are, we may not have any other options.
“We can’t even get them home right now so don’t worry about it until we can. That’s easier said than done. If supernaturals are outed to the humans, it will start a witch hunt that will make the witch trials look like child’s play.”
“We’re nearly to the portal but I warn you the guardians don’t let anyone use this portal since the creatures came through months ago.” The alpha dire points between the trees where the path veers to the left.
“What kinds of creatures? Rosaline said no one knows what that realm consists of,” I ask.
Did Rosaline lie? I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if she had. She was trying to use us just like everyone else.
“They were dark creatures and nearly impossible to kill with black blood. They were humanoid in appearance but devoured everything in sight.”
“That sounds familiar,” I say, glancing at Jayden.
“There are multiple realms in this cluster. I’m sure there are a lot of similar creatures in all the realms.” Jayden shrugs.
“That’s true. If this realm is like the underworld, we could have some major issues getting help or even fighting our way out.”
The damn demons feasting on humans when we went to the underworld pop up in my nightmares more often than not.
“There are more of us this time and we are stronger now. We can get through it.” Jayden squeezes my arm.
“You’re right. We’ve got this.” I blow out an anxious breath.
We follow the dire down the path to the portal where two robed figures stand guard in front of a swirling purple mass. Both figures are taller than even Greyson and their hoods are low over their faces.
“Is that a scythe?” I whisper to Raven.
“Yes, that’s so cool. It’s like the grim reaper or some shit.” She bounces on her toes.
“No one shall pass the portal,” the one on the left says in a voice like gravel.
“We need to get back to our realm or there’s going to be dire consequences for all the realms,” I say.
“The portal leads to a realm not suitable for fe…”
“I wouldn’t say that word, my friend. These women are from the nexus.” The dire raises a brow.
“Apologies.” The figure bows his head, at least it appears like a bow.
“We need to get back and this is the closest portal that connects to our realm.”
The other figure tilts their head. “You’re the ones from the prophecy?”
“That’s what I’m told.” I shrug. “We need to get through the portal.”
The guardians turn to each other, having some kind of silent conversation. Glowing green eyes meet mine from beneath the guardian’s hood.
“The chosen one may pass but the rest must remain behind,” the guardian on the left says.
“See, Rosaline tried to pull the same shit and detain my friends in cages and that’s not how we operate. I need my team. Bottom line.” I call my sword but keep it loose at my side.
“Baby, I don’t think we’re gonna do well fighting these guys,” Jayden whispers.
“I’m not leaving even one person behind. No. Not happening.”
“It’s their funeral dealing with those creatures,” the one on the right says.
“Fine.” The other sighs and steps aside. “But be warned. Something dark resides in that realm that not even we know about.”
“We’ve dealt with the worst monsters from our world and the underworld. We will be fine,” I say.
The two guardians wave dismissively to the swirling purple and black portal. It’s ominous how dark it is but we don’t have much of a choice. We must go through it to save Hermes and the rest of the world.
Jayden grips my hand in his and we step into the vortex. The world spins and I grip Jayden’s hand tighter in fear that he’ll let go and we’ll be separated. If the portal spits us out in different places, it will only slow us down.
The ground solidifies under my feet and I sway with momentary dizziness as we step forward into the woods so still and eerie I’m instantly on guard.
“Jayden, what the fuck? Did you know the portal was here?” I ask.
“No, I didn’t. How the fuck did we get here?” He scratches his head.
“How are we in Elysium?” Raven gasps as they walk out of the portal.
“This is what they’re all terrified of in the fae realm?” Dax asks. “It doesn’t look so scary to me.”
“We’re in the damn underworld,” I say. “Is the underworld a whole different realm or are they confused about what it actually is?”
“I don’t know, but our chances of success got better when the portal dropped us here.” Jayden shrugs.
“We should have asked more questions about the creatures that came out of the portal. Are they all gone? Did any get away to run loose in the fae realm?”
“We’ll talk to my father about it. That’s not our problem to solve, baby.” Jayden presses a kiss to my forehead.
“I feel responsible,” I say. “The queen is only doing all of this because of me.”
“Don’t take responsibility for other people’s actions. The queen is unhinged. That’s on her not on you.” He hugs me to his chest.
How can I not blame myself for what’s going on in the realms? If I hadn’t been born, would all this be happening? My very existence in this world could get everyone I care about killed.