“Stay here. She’s just being stubborn. I can get you in, just wait here first.” I said.

“Like right here in the opening of the forest? Do you know how danger–”

“You can stay at the doorstep then. No one would mind. If you get hungry, eat the walls.”

“I’m sorry, what–?” He said but I already went past him. Every nook and cranny of the dimly illuminated room was inspected, my gaze darting from shadow to shadow in the hope of catching a glimpse of her elusive presence. The air seemed thick with expectation, as if it contained clues about her whereabouts, enticing me with the prospect of an encounter. Each passing second seemed to lengthen my desire to find her, to seek her wisdom and advice.

“Is he already back in the forest?” Death said from the second floor. I went upstairs and faced her.

“No,” I said.

“Did you let him in?” Death said in utter shock.

“No.” She sighed and was about to go when I spoke, “Didn’t you know that what you’re doing is prejudice as well?” She turned to me.

“What?” She’s upset with what I said.

“Sorcerers here and creatures alike are judging you without knowing anything. They don’t try, they just judge based on what they heard from others and from what they want to see. You’re sick of that, I’ve noticed but not because they are free to do it to you, you are also free to do it to others. I understand your reasons, Death but did you hear him out? You judged him based on what you heard of his kind and just looked at the things you want to see in him. What about the things that you didn’t mind looking at? You didn’t even ask him why he’s here.”

“To observe the place, of course. They send one sorcerer down here to do such a job every year.”

“Are you sure? Do you have a basis for what you’re saying? Or you just freely assumed because that’s what you want to believe. You didn’t even hear him say it.”

“What about you kid, huh? What do you know? You trusted him too quickly when you just met him this morning. You know nothing of this place so don’t come facing me spitting such words as if you know this place.”

“And who’s fault is that? Do you think I know nothing because I want to?”

“I know kid, okay? If you’re going to be transported, it should be up there. I regret performing the spell every single day since you got here. You may be able to trust every single creature in your place, but it's a different place here, kid. Everything and everyone here is dangerous.”

“And that’s how it is back at home too. I don’t live in a fluffy little cushion of a safe space. I fear my death every second of my life. I live in fear and yet I trusted you didn’t I? Why else would I be here? I came from such a dangerous place, such a rejecting place, such a place where other creatures eat you alive when you fail, yet I managed to trust you and Asphalt. I don’t think I had it worse than you guys had but can’t you do the same to him? I’m not asking you to welcome him with open arms, I’m just asking you to give him a place to stay. You fear the poison of prejudice yet you bite with one anyways, what a scum.”

I walked past her and went to my room. I opened the door and before closing it, I heard her say, “I don’t know what scum means but I feel like it does describe me well.”. No, it doesn’t, that’s just how I speak when I’m frustrated. You may be anything but not a scum. I know where she’s coming from because it's hard to see someone who could be the reason why you’re hurt. I feel the same way as my parents. She’s not a scum, just hurt. It is not the warlock’s fault though. It is those upper-class sorcerers that did such things here in the lower but a sorcerer as young as he is? Death must be hurt but that doesn’t justify the fact that she’s blaming the kid for the things he did not do just because he was born in the same blood. Your actions describe you, not your relatives, your blood, your ancestry, or the people around you. He shouldn’t be described that way as well. The more I stay here, the more I realize that every creature here is hurt. They act because they’re hurt. They become irrational, they judge, they blame, all because they’re hurt. Could my parents be acting that way to us because they’re hurt too? I understand the concept of will and ambition. That’s more like the reason why they act that way but it feels a little more comforting if it is because they’re hurt. I’d be able to understand them better.

I curled up in bed, seeking safety and comfort as I slowly drew the silky sheet up to my head, making a warm cocoon. The sheet enveloped me, its familiar texture offering a sense of security that eased my concerns. Shadows swirled across the walls in the faint light, creating a calm environment that urged relaxation. The lovely rustle of the sheet echoed in the calm, lulling me into a tranquil slumber where dreams awaited to transport me to faraway lands. Nothing has been going my way since I got here. Back on Earth, I can get whatever I want with a flick of my fingers. Money is not a problem, neither does knowledge and power. I have all the resources, I just have to work hard for it. Here, no matter how hard I work for it, it doesn’t go well. Maybe I am too full on myself that I expect things to be the same way here because I feel so powerful back on Earth. I despise my parents yet I am acting the same way as they would. I am no different with how much of a counterfeit they are. I’m just living my fantasy and got too caught up in it. 

I closed my eyes, ready to welcome the wonderful embrace of rest, when a light tapping sound interrupted the peace. Annoyed, I rolled onto my side, attempting to avoid the constant noise. However, a loud splash rang through the room, jolting me out of my slumber. I pulled from the blankets and dashed to the window, my pulse hammering with curiosity and worry. I was confronted with a disturbing emptiness as I stared out into the grass, scanning the place. There were no indications of what caused the commotion. There is nothing. Am I imagining it? But then, a large ball of water floated in the air and started hitting my window. I looked at where it came from and saw the warlock.

“What’s taking it so long?” The warlock mouthed. I looked up and noticed that the sun was setting. He can’t go back after dark.

“You can go,” I replied. I can’t risk his life for my favor. 

He shook his head. “I no longer can.” I looked at the forest and saw why. The forest, steeped in inky blackness, provides little respite to any wanderer. Only a few sparkling insects dart in the air, their dim brightness barely illuminating their surroundings. Every step one would take in this abyss of shadows is laden with danger. The possibility of an invisible assailant looms, ready to strike at any time and take advantage of the limited visibility. As the absence of light creates a curtain for lurking attackers, caution becomes key. I moved away from the window and walked back and forth. The temperature could be cold at night here and even though he can control the liquid around him, I am not sure if he can control its temperature as well. What’s he supposed to do? Bath himself with warm water every time he feels cold? I sat on the bed and buried my face in my palms. Maybe I should go with him on the way back? I looked out the window, my gaze fixed on the growing darkness that engulfed the surroundings with each passing minute. A sensation of urgency gripped me, driving me to rise from my seat and leave the room. A burden of responsibility fell on my shoulders, reminding me that it was my role to assure his safe return since I am the reason he was here. I prepared to accompany him through the shadows, getting ready to navigate the potentially dangerous path that lay ahead, with conviction powering my movements. As I descended the stairs, my footsteps echoing through the dimly lit corridor, I came to a standstill. The door swung wide, showing Death staring at the warlock. Curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn't help but steal a quick glimpse at the scenario playing in front of me, and there, in that little instant, I saw her poke the warlock.

“Go in before I change my mind. It’s dangerous out there.” Death said. The warlock rose from his seat, his motions guided by a sense of purpose as he returned to the depths of the residence. I quickly mounted the stairs, my footsteps light and fast, till I reached the warmth of my room.

She welcomed him. I’m glad.

I exhaled and prepared myself to go back downstairs. There is information that I needed to acquire from that warlock.