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“What’s going on?” I ask, keeping my voice calm.
Darian pulls onto the main road, and as he expertly navigates through traffic, he glances repeatedly in the rearview and side mirrors every few seconds.
“He must have scented or heard hunters nearby and was blocking them from seeing you.” Darian’s voice is level as he weaves the SUV in and out of traffic before pulling onto a frontage road along the highway, and he presses the gas to the floor.
Once he’s seemingly convinced we’re not being followed, he keeps his speed steady as Val moves to the backseat again.
After approximately an hour and a half, we arrive at the secluded hiking trail that meanders through the woods, accessible only via obscure side roads.
Veering off the main route, we drive into an open field before finding a suitable spot to park the vehicle. We then unload our supplies, packing the food and water into our duffel bags.
Darian grabs both, pulling one over each shoulder and I blink at him, “I can take one if you want.”
He chuckles and shakes his head, “These aren’t heavy, I won’t tire carrying them.”
I blink and concede with a nod.
We set down the path and I note the sun’s position, recognizing that it’s almost two in the afternoon. Aware that dusk is fast approaching, I quicken my pace, and Darian effortlessly keeps up while Val dashes ahead, scouting the path for potential hazards.
It’s not long before I’m thankful he’s carrying both packs. Running is one thing, but hiking uphill is a whole other ballgame.
My thighs already burn.
The quiet between us gradually gnaws at me, and I surrender to the urge to fill the silence.
“So what’s the first thing you’ll do once magic is back?”
“I’ve never really given it thought. It may depend on the circumstances of its return and what is happening in the moment. It’s hard to say for certain.”
I offer a nod before moving to my next question, “What do you miss most about your realm?”
He’s quiet for a moment, and when he answers I can hear the longing in his voice, “I miss my brothers the most,” I tilt my head, and he adds with a grin “We were closer than I think family might ever be and though we weren’t blood related, we still grew up together. Part of me wonders if they’re still alive after these years of banishment. If I return-” I narrow my eyes at him, and he chuckles before correcting himself, “When I return, I’ll find my brothers and we will right all the wrongs against us and our people.”
He goes quiet as the forest seems to tighten around the path, reducing the sunlight peeking through the canopy above us.
“I’m certain they’re alive, and you will return to them. I promise.” I say softly.
“What will you research once magic is restored?” Darian asks, and I cast a confused look at him.
“What do you mean?”
He chuckles, “Well you’re currently researching an area that is simply an echo of my realm, and you can see the results of that today.”
Though I knew magic was one of many possibilities, hearing Darian reaffirm that his realm plays a part in my endless search for answers brings a sense of failure to my mind.
“I suppose I could return to monitoring global warming but that was like banging my head against a wall. I suppose it’s hard for me to say for certain as well.”
My gut twists as I imagine the future, hopelessly researching climate change and Darian returning to his realm.
It’s a mental image I’m dangerously close to not accepting after spending time with him.
That future looks bleak, colorless, boring, and stagnant.
Darian remains silent, and I foolishly wonder whether he’s lost in the same train of thought as we continue along the path until the forest grows darker with the sunset.
We come to a stop as the thick undergrowth recedes, providing enough space for us to pitch our tent.
“We’ll set up camp here.” Darian says softly and gently puts our bags against a tree.
