Page 38 of Hopeless Realm
“Not me,” Daxdyn says. “I already know what everyone’s feeling. I don’t need to know what their future holds as well.”
I pause, but only for a second.
“Well, I should go first, right? I’m the Eminence after all.” I nod to myself, trying to build my confidence as my mind runs away with whatgoing firstcould possibly consist of.
Deep rumbling laughter shakes the woman’s delicate bare shoulders. Her perfect white teeth open wide to release the sound of her unrepressed happiness.
“The gods did not warn us of your humor, my child.” She shakes a long finger at me as she pushes off from the ground. “Come. The three of you.” The accent attacks her words heavily. “Pretty boy who’s too good to travel will keep the ravens company.”
As if summoned, a small black bird lands on Daxdyn’s shoulder. His breath catches as his wide eyes study the raven perched on him.
“Fucking Travelers,” he whispers under his breath before brushing the animal away.
Darrio and Ryder follow after the woman but Daxdyn catches my hand, his warm palm pulling me back to him.
“Don’t drink or take anything in there.” He holds my hand firmly in his and the bright sunlight shadows his sharp features from me as I look up at him.
“I can take care of myself.”
“I’m being serious. Don’t drink anything in there. There’s more than one way to travel. I’d rather you be safe. Tell me you won’t consume anything they offer you.”
A second passes between us, feeling longer than it really is.
“Okay, I won’t consume anything they offer.”
His shoulders relax slightly and his lips press to my temple. The hold he has on my hand releases and for some reason, I don’t want to leave him. I wouldn’t say it’s because I’m afraid, though maybe I am. But mostly, I hate having to do something without him there.
“It won’t take long. I’ll see you in a bit.” The way he says it, the calm he pushes into those words, chases away the heavy doubt that’s attempting to devour my mind.
I force my feet to follow after Darrio and Ryder and I force myself not to look back at Daxdyn.
The building’s more of a shack than an actual standing structure. The cool breeze of the outside winds whispers into the dimly lit room. Travelers crowd the room in small groups, drinking and smoking and speaking in tongues I can’t even begin to grasp. Their words crawl through the building in thick but quiet tones. A sweet smell clouds my senses, the purple haze of their pipes settles in the air and I have to prevent myself from inhaling the alluring scent.
A beautiful Traveler with pale blonde hair follows me with her inky eyes as we walk through the room. The emptiness in her makes a chill drag down my spine. I hold her gaze until the depths of her eyes flash white. The color drains right from her gaze until it’s filled with lightning. My feet stumble against the dusty, loose floorboards and I can’t seem to look away as her body begins to tremble.
The steady pounding of my heartbeat falters for only a moment.
“The eyes are the gateway to the gods. Travelers are guides between you and the gods. Our eyes help you see what you cannot. Try to keep up, Zakara.” Her voice wafts through the room as smooth as the smoke curling around me.
Darrio steps closer, his warmth seeping into me. His palm presses comfortingly on my lower back as he escorts me through the room of mysterious Travelers.
My father’s sword bumps reassuringly against my thigh. It calms me. My gaze remains focused straight ahead. I ignore the shadows of bodies shivering simultaneously throughout the area.
Darrio and Ryder study them with intensity. Their backs seeming stiff with anticipation of an unseen threat.
At the center of the room the roof has fallen away. Bright white sunlight streams down, igniting the particles in the air with life and magic.
“You want to go first, theEminence of the mortal realm?” Her smooth tone is mocking in a way, distracting me from answering immediately.
My lips part but Ryder cuts me off.
“I’ll go first.” His fingers brush against my palm in a calming way.
For an instant, I consider correcting him. I am the Eminence after all. But then a little bit of fear trickles in, prickling through me with intensity.
I don’t admit it, but I’d much rather see whatever they’re going to do before I actually do it.
“Ahh, the prince who sees bravery as an alluring mask for complete stupidity. Come forth, my child.” The Traveler encourages him forward with a wave of her long fingers.
