“Sushi, huh?” I mull it over, my curiosity piqued. “Why not? Let’s give it a shot.”
As we wait for our food, we dive into a lively conversation about our day. After the initial shock of the modern world, I can’t deny that I’ve enjoyed my time here. There’s something new and exciting about every moment, and I’ve discovered that the people of this century are, surprisingly, not as different as they seem.
“The people of this time are different,” I voice my thoughts, “but they’re not that different, are they?”
“No, they’re not,” she agrees, smiling.
“I know what you mean. No matter how much the world changes, some things remain the same. People are still people. The animals though...”
“Do you remember when you tried to feed those birds in the park?” she asks, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “They practically flew away in terror.”
I can’t help but laugh along with her. God, this woman completely unravels me. “Hey, I thought they might appreciate a snack,” I protest, feigning offense. “But apparently, they have refined palates.”
“Oh, you were so confused,” she giggles, “and the look on your face! I thought you were going to cry when they flocked all over you.”
“Me? Cry? Please, I’m a battle-hardened warrior,” I scoff, a grin spreading across my face. “But I’ll admit, I wasn’t prepared for that. I expect a griffin to attack me, but a dove? Doves are supposed to be the most peaceful of creatures.”
“Indeed,” she replies, still chuckling.
The food arrives, and we both dig in, sampling the sushi and sashimi and a variety of other unfamiliar dishes. Astryl takes a bite of sushi and hums in satisfaction, a look of bliss washing over her features.
“This is incredible,” she purrs. “I’ve never tasted anything like it.”
“You like it?”
“Oh, yes,” she says, a look of pure contentment on her face. “I don’t think I could get enough.”
“Good,” I reply, feeling a sense of pride as I watch her devour her meal.
We continue to swap stories and share jokes as we eat; the way things have become so easy and natural between us is unreal. But then a thought snakes in, one that takes the smile from my face and I sit back and cross my arms over my chest. What happens when we get back home? If we find the wraiths and thereby the portal, defeat the Shadowlord... what then?
Astryl will surely go back to her clan or search for her birth parents and I’ll have my kingdom back. That all sounds well and good, but then... where does that leave us? We’re no longer complete enemies. The thought of not seeing her again is like a dagger in the chest.
“Thaldiran?” she says, a look of concern on her face. “You’ve been awfully quiet.”
“Sorry,” I apologize, offering a reassuring smile. “Just a lot on my mind.”
“Anything you’d like to talk about?”
I consider telling her, but how would it make her feel? I’ve already dragged her into this mess. It doesn’t seem fair to fill her with any sense of obligation to stay with me beyond what we’ve set out to accomplish. We’re just having some fun while searching for the Shadowlord. No harm in that. Right?
“Thaldiran?” Astryl’s voice is gentle, her eyes searching mine with an intensity that makes me want to look away. But then I hear that subtle voice in the back of my head, encouraging me to be honest and vulnerable with her.
“It’s just...” I begin again, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “This world, this time... this whole situation, it’s made me realize how different my own upbringing was. I was born into a royalfae family, as you know. Privilege and responsibility were my constant companions from the day I was born.”
Astryl nods, encouraging me to continue, her eyes filled with empathy.
“But it wasn’t all grand halls and royal banquets,” I admit with a wry smile. “I was trained in the arts of war, diplomacy, and magic by the finest tutors in the realm. I should have felt powerful—in control. But instead, I often felt isolated, misunderstood. My unique abilities set me apart from my peers and made me question where I truly belonged.”
“It sounds like a heavy burden for someone so young.”
“It was,” I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. “Especially after I lost my parents. They were taken from me when I was just a child, forcing me to take on the role of leadership before I was ready. I’ve always felt like I have to prove myself worthy of my title, worthy of their memory.”
Astryl reaches out, her hand gently resting on mine; a gesture of comfort that sends a jolt of warmth through me.
“I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been for you,” she says softly. “But you don’t have to carry that burden alone, Thaldiran.”
I want to believe her, to let her in completely, but the thought of revealing the full extent of my powers…but I’m just not there yet. I can’t shake the fear that if she knew the truth, she would see me as a monster, just as I sometimes see myself. I don’t think I’m strong enough to deal with that rejection right now, and I certainly don’t think I’m brave enough to risk it.
