“It’s not safe on the path?” I ask, scanning my surroundings for threats.
“There are eyes and ears everywhere, dear.”
“Is this realm on the brink of war too?” I ask.
“We are always on the brink of some battle or another.” She waves a nonchalant hand in the air.
“If I may ask,” Raven cuts in. “What race or species are you all? Your coloring and ears are… different.”
“Raven, Hades what is wrong with you?” I ask, aghast.
“It’s a valid question, B. Their hair is cool as fuck. I’m thinking about pink highlights, though that may be tough with my black hair.”
Rosaline chuckles. “We are fae, a race of elemental magic users.”
“Elementals?” I ask. “Like water, air, fire, and earth?”
“And the ether, yes, but few can use more than one or two elements which is why they were shocked by your power,” Rosaline says.
“What can you wield?” Raven asks.
“It’s rude to ask someone about their magic,” Axel snarls.
“Not where we’re from,” I shoot back at him.
“It’s fine, Axel. They don’t know our ways or the danger it can pose to some to reveal their magic.” Rosaline waves him off.
“Sorry,” Raven says. “I don’t mean to put anyone in danger. Hades knows we are in enough danger of our own.”
“I’m more than protected with my warriors here. You bring no further danger to me.” Rosaline smiles.
It’s not lost on me that she still doesn’t answer the question even as she reassured Raven that it’s fine. The fae are apparently a secretive bunch which I can get behind. If it came to my safety, I would be secretive too.
“Do you not have technology or cars here?” I ask. “Our SUV died the second we landed here.”
“The land itself here is magic so no man-made machinery will work here,” Rosaline says.
“We can’t use most technology either so that makes sense. Magic is a beacon in our realm and when coupled with technology, it attracts monsters to us. It’s inconvenient when you grow up with technology and suddenly can’t use it.” I shrug.
We round a bend on the path and I take a step back. There’s a contingent of warriors lining the path. The warriors at our backs draw their weapons as well. I glance back but all the warriors gazes are locked on me and my friends.
Maybe I made a huge mistake trusting Rosaline because we may just have to fight our way out of here or die trying.
