Page 37 of Stolen
“Magic is very much a part of the fabric of Nightfall.”
“We don’t have that on Earth,” I begin, but she shakes her head.
“Magic is everywhere. There would be nothing without it. But I understand it is harder to see in some realms.”
I swallow, processing what she said and have to agree. She is probably right.
I watch her work in silence for a few more minutes.
“So, is everyone here as, um, friendly as you?”
Shade’s laugh is bright and sharp.
“Oh no, Just Jules, you must be wary. Nightfall is fraught with terrors.”
Well. That’s comforting. Not.
She continues, unfazed.
“The SoulTakers have been closing in. Nasty things. They feed on dreams, you know. Slip into your mind while you sleep and peel the edges of your soul away, one layer at a time.”
I nearly trip. “I—what?”
“Oh yes,” she says lightly, as if discussing the weather. “They’re why Great Lords like Alaric and his brethren exist. They keep the balance. Protect what’s left of the realm.”
She pauses, running a fingertip along the spine of a book bound in what looks suspiciously like scales.
“But with the fall of the Prime,” her voice fades. Then Shade’s tone darkens. “Well, I’m afraid things have grown unstable.”
I take that in.
A realm ruled by elemental Demon Lords.
A magical crown.
Dream-eating monsters.
And me.
A bartender from Jersey.
“So, what am I doing here? If he is so busy with all of this, why did he take me?” I ask before I can stop myself.
Shade stops walking.
Turns to me.
Her eyes soften. Not with pity, but something else. Maybe respect?
“That’s a question only Lord Alaric can answer,” she says. “But if the realm allowed you to pass through, then I’d sayyou belong here.Nightfall does not grant everyone that right. If it let you in, then there is more to you than you think, Just Jules.”
I bite the inside of my cheek, suddenly overwhelmed.
This place isn’t just some dream I’m going to wake up from. It’s real. Magical. Terrifying.
And somehow, I’m a part of it.
Buthow longcan I stay?
