XXI. Aeternum

Raine’s POV:

From behind the bush, I spot two people traveling, a couple. I exhaled faintly before the female spread her wings and flew upward. The male laughed and copied her actions. Together, they went higher and higher until they reached the peak of the tree. They held each other’s hands and swirled in circles. It was like watching one of those cliches part from a rom-com movie.

At least I know I’m not back in my world.

When they landed, I took a step forward with the intention to ask for direction.

But, the moment I heard a stick snap I grasp my gun and swirl around. There were three hikers behind me, two adults and a child. One of the women pushes the child behind her while the other woman steps forward, blocking both of them.

“We saw you from over there,” the woman in the front says. “We wanted to know if you’re fine.”

I lowered the gun and stood up, “Sorry. I’m lost and I’m kind of afraid.”

One of them laughs uncertainly, “I wouldn’t blame you for being scared,” she responds.

I looked forward and the fairy couple was staring at us. “What’s going on there?” The guy asks.

“She’s lost!” The woman screams and the fairy couple nods. “Do you want to follow us?” She asks me. “We’re heading out and back to the city.”

“The city is close to here?” I question.

“Just a mile or so,” the other responds.

I look over at the fairy couple. “We’re heading back too,” the girl said.

I look down at the little boy behind the couple before my eye reverts back up. “That would be nice.” I tuck away the gun.

Within ten minutes, the six of us found a dirt trail.

I found out the fairy couple is named Lena Nashville and Jean Williston. They’re engaged and simply visiting the country.

The other two are named Betsy Daniels and Donna Hammond who are married. They’re local witches. They adopted a werewolf son named Malcolm last year.

Malcolm peeks past Betsy and looks at me. When I caught him, his head jolted back.

“Sorry,” Betsy caresses Malcolm’s head. “He’s a bit shy.”

I smile, “Not a problem.” I look past Betsy’s backpack and wave at Malcolm, showing him my best smile.

His cheeks turn pink, “You’re a human,” he mumbled.

“What?”

“Sorry. He didn’t mean it that way.” Betsy giggled, “It’s just he never met a human before. So, he’s curious.”

My brows crunch together, “But you guys live in the city.” I heard cities are the most concentrated area.

“Yes, but not alot of humans are locals. They’re more of visitors. And even when they do, they live in their own section of the city. We rarely go to that section.”

I nod, “I see.” I crouch down, “Well I don’t speak for all humans but I promise not to bite.”

“Of course not,” Malcolm responds. “You’re not a werewolf or my mate.”

I smile softly and force the exhalation to stay inside. After half a mile, Malcolm eased up and started running around the forest. He would howl or growl at anything in sight, of course, things that are smaller than him.

“Why were you in the forest?” Lena question. “You don’t look like someone who’s dressed up to take a hike.”

“I wasn’t-” I wipe the sweat on my forehead with my forearm. “I went to this one store that just opened up and-”

“Puer?” Betsy asks.

“Ah, yes that one. How did you know?”

“Puer opening is the reason why Donna and I decided to take Malcolm out. The city is swarming with visitors right now.”

I nod, “I see.”

“I heard Aeternum is like the Fountain of Youth,” Lena said. She looks at Jean and pout.

Jean exhales and pinches her cheek, “You don’t need that shit.”

I tilt my head, “Aeternum?”

“It’s Latin for Eternal. You don’t know what you purchased?”

“No. I went with a friend. She wanted it.”

“But, then how did you end up here?” Lena asks again.

“I don’t know. One moment I was running and the next, poof I got transported here.”

“Probably some kids playing a prank,” Betsy said.

“Kids playing prank?” Lena question.

“It was a problem a year or so ago,” Betsy starts the story. “A gang of kids started playing pranks around the city by planting teleportation portals. One moment you’re taking a walk in the park and the next thing you know, you end up on the top of a bridge.” Betsy looks at me. “You should be glad that wasn’t you.”

“I thought they tracked all the teleportation down and removed it,” Donna responds.

Betsy shrugs, “Probably missed one.”

I nod, “That makes sense.”

Time seems to pass by faster than anticipated and soon we were in the parking lot.

“Need a lift into the city?” Betsy asks.

“That would be nice.”

“Your phone should work now,” Donna said as she unlocks the car doors.

I flip up my screen to see numerous missed calls and messages from Helen. I click on one of the voicemails to hear her crying on the other side. She said some words but I didn’t understand any of it.

“I think you should give your friend a call,” Donna said.

I nod in agreement.

“It was nice meeting you two,” I said to Lena and Jean. “Sorry about kind of stalking you two in the forest.” I feel kind of bad ruining their romantic moment. They’re clearly here for a lover’s trip.

“No problem. We hope you find your friend soon,” Lena responds. She looks around, “It was nice meeting you all.” Not too soon after we part ways with Lena and Jean.

“I’m going to go call my friend,” I told them.

Betsy buckled in Malcolm, “We’ll be here.”

I walk a good distance away from them then called Helen. Immediately, the phone clicks on. “Helen, don’t worry I’m fine. This weird thing happened. I got transported into the forest, because of some dumb kids prank. But, I met some nice hikers and they’re willing to give me a ride back into the city. Where are you?”

“She’s with us.”

My heart stopped, and there’s a part of me that wished it would stop entirely. “Who are you?”

“Our Alpha had been working hard to find you.”

I couldn’t help it, the way my body shakes. “Who are you?” I ask again, much more agitated than earlier.

“My, where are my manners? Nice to finally be able to speak to you for the first time. My name is Miguel Tran, Beta of Crescent Moon.”