Page 26 of What Lies Beyond the Realms

“Yes,” I try to assure him.

“Listen, it's late, past midnight. You look like you could still use some rest. How about I get Chepi and let you rest until morning? We can talk more then.” His voice is calm and collected, but his eyes look concerned.

“I am still tired. That sounds good.” I give a half smile and make my way to the bed.

Nyx returns a few minutes later with Chepi in his arms. Chepi jumps on the bed and gives me a few yelps and licks before nosing his way under the silky covers and lying down beside my leg. I settle into the pillows, and Nyx turns out the lights. The room is still dimly lit by the soft glow of the dying fire.

“Goodnight, Lyra,” Nyx says quietly and closes the door before I have a chance to respond.

My mind is still spinning with everything that’s happened. Is Samael dead? How did I get to the Faery Realm? Can I trust Nyx? Am I safe here? I’ve been alone my whole life, yet I’ve never felt as alone as I do right now. I tuck my arms into my chest as if to ease the hollow ache, and eventually, sleep finds me.

I wake alone, well mostly alone. Chepi is rolling around on the bed. Someone must’ve left me fresh clothes, because there’s a neat pile at the end of the bed and a note. I grab the note while giving Chepi some belly rubs.

Lyra,

Please make yourself at home. But don’t go outside.

I will see you later.

Nyx

A man of few words, it seems. I step into the bathroom, and an ethereal sight greets me. A bath filled with a magical elixir, its pinkish hue illuminating the room, emanating an inviting warmth. Radiant hibiscus flowers with hot-pink petals dance on its surface. Despite my initial hesitation, I am drawn to its inviting aroma, as though it promises to wash away all my worries. I sink into the bath, and an instant sense of peace washes over me. The water seems to have a mystical quality, its gentle touch soothing my every muscle. I reach for the soap, its scent of fresh peaches and cream tantalizing my senses. I lather my skin and hair, letting the suds envelop me in its sweet fragrance. As I rinse, I feel myself becoming lighter, my worries washing away with the soapy water. I step out, my skin silken and refreshed, ready to face whatever the day may bring. I comb my hair and make a partial braid on each side then tie them together in the back to help hold my hair out of my face. I leave the rest of the wavy mess to hang behind my back.

I grab a few flowers from the bath and weave them into the braid as well. I start looking through the pile of clothes neatly left on the end of the bed. Once again Nyx left several options, which are all greatly different from one another. The clothes here are like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Everything seems so much more modern and whimsical than back in Cloudrum. There are no heavy gowns with overly tight bodices to choose from. Instead, I find two dresses, and neither of them reaches the ground like they would back home. Both look like they’d fall about to my knees. One is made of light green, iridescent chiffon. The other is drastically different. It’s still short and lightweight, but it’s all black with short sleeves. The bottom of the dress is draped in a V at the front and back but shorter on the sides. Lastly, there’s a pair of dark tights and a pastel pink top with puffy sleeves. I get dressed in the black dress. The fabric is soft and airy. It’s easy to move around in and not heavy like the clothes I’ve grown accustomed to. I like it, and the fabric smells fresh like spring.

A light pounding on the door makes me jump. I hurry over to open it just a crack to peek through. At first I don’t see anyone, but then I hear someone clear their throat. I look down to find some kind of creature with a tray in his hand and gasp.

“Excuse me, miss. I didn't mean to frighten you. I’ve brought you breakfast. May I come in?” the creature says in a child-like voice.

It takes me a second to compose myself and find my manners, then I open the door wide. “Yes, please come in.”

This creature is tiny—the top of his head only comes up to my knee—and he looks almost like a goblin but with a cuteness that’s hard to deny. His pudgy belly and legs make him seem harmless, and his dark-purple skin contrasts with shoulder-length gray hair that partially covers his pointed ears. The creatures glowing green eyes are captivating, and his smile is warm and friendly, revealing straight white teeth that are only slightly pointed. As he approaches me, a citrus scent fills the air, instantly calming my nerves and soothing my senses.

“What are you?” I whisper, a bit awed by this little creature. He flies into the air to place the tray on the table, and I notice he has gorgeous delicate wings that are almost translucent purple with splashes of silver.

“I am a Twig Wisp. Have you never met one like me before?” He has a little voice, and he keeps his face lowered to the ground.

“No, I’ve never seen anything like you. Sorry. I’m being rude. I’m just curious . . . What is your name?” I feel slightly embarrassed.

“Everyone calls me Twig. You may call me Twig.” He gives me a devilishly charming little smile.

“You may call me Lyra, and this is Chepi.” I point to Chepi, who is already on the ground licking Twig’s leg.

“Oh, we’ve met. We even went flying together yesterday.” Twig pets Chepi’s head and places a bowl full of sliced meat on the ground in front of him. “I brought breakfast for both of you.”

“Would you like to join us?”

“I’ve already had breakfast, but I’ll stay with you while you eat as company, if you’d like?”

I almost squeal because I am so delighted to learn more about Twig. “Yes, please. That’d be lovely.” I smile. It feels like the first real smile I’ve had in a while.

Breakfast is a large tray full of tropical fruits and delicate, colorful pastries. I immediately grab a berry muffin with pink sugar sprinkles of top of it. My stomach seems delighted as I take in the mouth-watering aroma of everything.

“Do you live here?” I ask Twig between bites.

“I go wherever I’m needed by his majesty, but currently I live here, yes.” His voice is slightly high-pitched like a young boy’s would be.

“His majesty?”