Chapter 13

Lux and Ciaran hurried down the stairs to the village as the moon began to rise.

As they searched for anyone, a deep voice startled them.

"Who are you?" the voice demanded.

Ciaran turned to see a shadowy figure.

"HUMANS! WHY ARE YOU HERE?!" the shadow screeched.

Lux called out, "You live here?"

"Of course, I did. I wouldn't even dare to step foot in your world after what you humans did to us," the shadow replied.

"What did we do?" Lux shouted back.

"Do not act like a fool, I know you are lying," the shadow retorted.

"I wasn't there when it happened, can you tell me?" Lux asked bravely.

The shadow recounted the story: "I LOST EVERYTHING BECAUSE OF YOU! A human came into our realm, promising not to reveal our secret. But in return, my family and everyone else died. I saw everything, even her evil smile before she turned and walked away."

"I'm sorry, but what was she like?" Lux inquired.

"A redhead with a blonde man with a crown," the shadow replied.

Lux's eyes widened in realization. "Stepmother was the only redhead in our country. No no no, It can't be her- ! And father…" he said "I'm sorry, but the person you're looking for is already dead."

"Monster!" the shadow accused Lux.

Ciaran intervened, "Wait! Lux said that it was his stepmother, not his mum. So, he wasn't part in any of this, only his father's mistress."

The shadow paused, considering Ciaran's words.

"He is right, but you humans still did it," the shadow conceded.

"Sir, I'm sorry to say this but I'm hungry and tired. Do you have some food or a place we could stay?" Delia asked.

Ciaran gave a puzzled look as the shadow seemed to soften a bit.

The shadow led them along a trail of red glitter to a small hillside. Half of the hill was gone, revealing a door.

Inside, they found a big room with different sections—a kitchen, a library, a bedroom, and a Magicarium.

"Leave tomorrow, have a good night's sleep," the shadow said before disappearing.