For some reason, my mother was completely okay with me traveling to the next town with some friends, even though she knew Brea wouldn't be around. Was I surprised? Yes, very much. I admit she has always been laid back, but even this seemed a bit too relaxed for her, so I asked again, but the answer was the same. Even as I packed and left, it did not seem like she was tricking me; it just made me feel strange
I reached the brothers' guest house just as they were loading their last luggage, and I tried my best to ignore the very scary, sharp sword among them, which awfully confirmed a fact I was doing my best not to think of. I might die on this mission
"Lyla," Anson called, a bright smile dancing on his face
"Hey," I responded, trying my best not to seem too nervous, "you guys done?"
"Yes, we've loaded all we need, what's that?" he asked, pointing to the large bag I had in my left hand
"Oh, I just thought since we're facing off some scary beast, might as well come prepared. It's just my archery equipment."
"You know archery?"
"Why do you sound surprised? I'll have you know I'm pretty skilled when it comes to it," I said pointedly to him, to which he only raised his hand in surrender
Damian stood leaning on the driver's side of the truck, looking me over, then to the bag, and I could have sworn I saw him smirk before he got into the car
We were soon on the road, driving in silence, neither of them had said a word for the past twenty minutes, and it was making me nervous
"So, Ans, tell me more about yourself."
"Ans?"
"He calls you that," I said, pointing to the man who was deeply focused ahead, hands tight on the steering wheel. "Why are you holding on to the wheel so tightly?"
"That's because we aren't good at driving," Anson answered for his brother, "you see, we don't travel using cars as you call them, so he has to be really careful, after all, we only had a week to learn."
"What? You took only a week to learn"
"Yes," he responded, a shy smile on his face
"But I've seen you drive before, you didn't seem to struggle, at least it didn't look like it."
"Well, we do, but we also channel our power to try and help with the control."
"Isn't that exhausting?"
"It is"
"Then let me drive, I wouldn't want any of you wasting your magic on something so mundane."
"Really?"
"Yeah, if he doesn't mind."
Damian's only response was to slowly stop the car and move from the driver's seat
"Well then, gentlemen, buckle up for the best ride of your life. I'm your spectacular driver, Lyla."
Anson chuckled lightly while his brother snorted in response, which only made me smile brighter. The rest of the ride was filled with my music playing on the stereo while Anson told me a little about his life. I got to learn that their realm was called Luminaraeth, and that he and his brother were protectors of his realm, basically like part of the army, except theirs is called a legion The whole thing sounded so awesome and cool, I could only imagine how powerful they looked as they fiercely fought in battle.
But of everything he shared, what had me in complete awe was when he told me about his Pegasus Theron, a majestic flying horse of golden fur and wings. Everything about their realm sounded so enchanting, and part of me wished there could be a way to visit, even for just a week
The rest of the trip was silent, partly because I was afraid I'd know more and continue stupidly wishing, but also because we were now close to Graven. Anson didn't say a word, but I could feel his eyes on me from time to time
I parked at the front of a little Airbnb that was closest to the forest, only a ten-minute walk to. Damian was the first to get out, heading inside probably to confirm our reservation, and I looked towards the giant trees behind. The forest was silent, the little breeze swaying the leaves that hadn't already fallen, and the atmosphere was cool, marking the effects of autumn
I took in the forest that was so similar to that from my town, yet somehow felt more ominous, perhaps it was the danger I already knew lay ahead. Damian came back and ushered us to our rooms; he and his brother would share one while I was lodged in the one opposite theirs. Anson, in that calm, sweet voice, assured me I'd be fine, and he was just next door. I only nodded and went into my quarters.
It was a basic room, a small queen-sized bed in the middle with a bathroom opposite to it, There was barely any decoration, the view of the window to the forest was enough to fill one's need for something to look at. We had agreed to rest for the remaining part of the day after having lunch, making whatever necessary preparations we needed. On my side, I went into a meditative state, trying my best to get rid of the fear that would eat me up if let loose. I also decided to test my bow and arrows, making sure all was in order, although they would be useless in close proximity, they gave me some sort of security, I could use an arrow and jab it right into that beast's eye if it came too close, I reassured myself
The time had reached signified by the three knocks on the door, Anson's signal, two quick taps, a pause, then followed by a third. I took the bag holding my weapons and opened the door to find him standing there, a blank look on his face. It was 11 pm, and the Airbnb was well silent. The few guests available probably asleep. Damian scouted ahead as agreed, making sure no one would spot us. How he would make the receptionist do the same was his concern, to which he excelled; there was not a single soul in our way
We had decided not to take the car, too much noise, Damian said, and we all agreed although I wasn't completely sure it was the right choice unlike them I didn't have the speed to help in an escape but Anson again reassured he wouldn't dare leave me behind and I believed him. It was honestly odd how easily I had grown to trust him how I found his presence reassuring and his words calming, he did not feel like a stranger anymore even his brother whom I knew close to nothing about, was no longer a person I should keep distance from I was now more used to his cold blank presence
Damian walked ahead. His steps were so normal and casual, you wouldn't think that death lurked ahead. I followed closely behind while Anson walked in the rear, a formation decided to keep me safe, which I greatly appreciated. I held tightly to my bow, ready for possible use, while looking around, making sure nothing suddenly pounced on me
We came to a halt when we reached the line into the forest. Damian looked back and nodded to his brother, then looked to me briefly before drawing out his sword that was strapped to his back. Entering the forest, we did our best to avoid the twigs and leaves on the ground, our only source of light coming from the stars, although I suspected the two brothers didn't need them much