The next day, the questions poured out of him. He needed to know more, he wanted to know as much as he could about the reflection realm. Luckily, Erebus seemed responsive to Arden’s interrogation, entertained even.
“If the sun is down, is it easier to travel long distances?”
“Somewhat, but the moon still creates a good amount of light.” Arden scribbled each response down furiously, trying to get as much information today as possible without being gone too long. He could not risk his supervisor going to his mom a second time.
“Can you use the reflection realm to spy on people?” Erebus eyed him with curiosity and amusement.
“Got someone in mind?” His eyebrows wiggled and his face split into a cocky grin, his sharp canines catching the light.
Arden glared at him, his crimson face detracting from the desired effect. “No, I’m simply curious.”
“You cannot see living things clearly within the realm, it is unclear why. You can see that there is someone there, but their identity is impossible to decipher on looks alone.” This implied that you could determine their identity in other ways, but Arden decided to hold that question for later. “However, if another being is in the reflection realm with you, they can see you clearly, and you them.” Erebus’ eyes were serious and seemed to radiate warning, but he did not say anything else.
“Can other people in the realm touch you? You mentioned that your body becomes non-corporeal when you enter, but does that only apply to those outside of the realm?” Arden felt his chest tighten. He was not sure why, but the idea of coming across someone else in the reflection world seemed terrifying.
“They cannot touch or harm you within the realm, but they can follow you out.”
Arden’s blood froze with that statement. The idea that a demon could hone in on him within the realm and just follow him closely until he leaves, only to follow him out was horrifying. What would he do then? Stay trapped in his reflection forever, or allow the demon to come after him? It almost deterred him completely from his desire to learn how to enter the realm. Almost.
“Can you teach me?” Arden looked at Erebus with determination.
Erebus laughed. Arden shrunk in embarrassment. “There is plenty you need to learn before you can jump into a reflection kiddo.”
“I’m 18.” Arden said, pursing his lips, he was not a ‘kiddo’.
“Sorry, all humans seem young to me unless they’re wrinkly.” Arden glared at him. “Why should I teach you?”
His heart sank. He had no reason, he just wanted to learn. But he doubted that that was a satisfying enough answer to a demon. It was the only answer he had, so he opted to try it and hope for the best, “because I am curious about illusion magic, and you are the only person I can ask.”
“Don’t know many demons huh?” Erebus asked, jokingly. “I will consider it, if nothing else it would be entertaining to watch you try.” He cleaned his nails as he pondered.
“Thank you for considering it. I have to go now, I will see you tomorrow.” Arden couldn’t shake the disappointment he felt. He knew it was irrational, but he had hoped that Erebus would be excited to teach him; he has nothing better to do trapped in a cell.
“Arden.” He turned to face Erebus. “It is a dark and dangerous power to wield. I do not want to be responsible for your loss of sanity, or the responsibility of your disappearance if you happen to get lost along the way.” He was unusually serious and despondent. “You need to be sure that this is what you want.”
“I understand. I will deliberate for a while. Thank you.” He turned to leave again but stopped. “Erebus, what do you like to eat?”
Erebus looked stunned by the question, “Pardon?”
“I never bring you food, and I am the only person that comes this way.” Arden stated without hesitation.
“I do not need to eat, therefore they do not feed me.”
“That doesn't answer my question.”
Erebus’ confusion grew. “Nightshade berries.”
“Aren’t those poisonous?”
“Maybe to you.” He squinted at Arden playfully but with interest.
“Fair enough. See you tomorrow.” With that, he finally left.
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