“Wait.” Nick’s expression had lost all its playfulness, replaced with an intensity that I felt even through the screen. “I’m glad you didn’t lie. I know this thing between us can’t go anywhere, but I’d like to make the most of it while you’re here.”
“Me too.” I barely resisted touching the screen.
His warm smile stole my breath. “So with that in mind, you can call or text me whenever you like. You don’t need a reason. Okay?”
“Yes.”
The voices were getting louder, coming in my direction. “I really have to go.”
“I hope you get the answers you’re looking for.”
“So do I.”
“I’ll see you when you get back.”
Hopefully it wouldn’t be too long, but I couldn’t guarantee it. “Goodbye, Nick.”
“Bye.”
I ended the call as Axel appeared in the doorway, Gabriel behind him. Both of them had rucksacks slung over their shoulders. “You ready?”
I stood, pocketing my phone, and picked up my own bag from beside me. “Yes. Let’s go.”
With a flick of Axel’s wrist, the air shimmered in front of us. To anyone without fae blood, this was all they saw, but for Axel and me, the trees and the grass disappeared, a dark entranceway appearing in their place. The other side wasn’t visible, of course, but two steps into the darkness and we’d be in the Fae Realm.
I turned to Gabriel. “Can you see it?”
He frowned, concentrating. “Last time I was here, when you came through, I thought it was just a distortion of the air, but…” He squinted. “Is that a cave?”
Axel snorted. “Not exactly. But that’s close enough. Come on.”
“I thought you’d been to the Fae Realm before?” I asked as we approached the gateway.
“I have, but not for a long time.” Gabriel said. “I was young and ungrateful. I didn’t pay all that much attention to my surroundings. Or anything, really.”
“You’re missing out,” I murmured, already feeling the pull of magic from beyond the gateway. “Our home is beautiful.”
Axel stepped through first, gone in the blink of an eye. Gabriel hesitated, lip pulled between his teeth.
“You all right?” I pressed my shoulder against his in silent support. “Two steps and you’re through to the other side.”
“I know. It’s just been a long while since I’ve done this, and I’m nervous.”
“About what exactly?” If I could help him in any way, I would.
Gabriel grimaced. “Where do I start? I’m only part-fae. I haven’t been there in years. I know next to nothing about the Fae Realm. I only know bits and pieces of the language.”
I snorted. “Strictly speaking, you shouldn’t know any, so keep that to yourself.”
“Last time I was here, I was with my mother.” He shrugged. “I’m not sure how well I’ll be received.”
He had a point. Some fae—especially the elder ones—were rude as fuck to anyone who lived outside the realm. “You might get the odd comment, but only because you live here. Axel’s in the same position because he’s been here so long. Ignore them. Everyone else will be most welcoming. I assure you.”
I gestured for him to go through ahead of me.
“Thank you.” With that, he walked through the gateway and out of sight.
I gave him a few moments to get clear, then stepped forwards. Cool air washed over my skin as the darkness engulfed me. Magic, light and welcoming, surrounded me and it finally felt like I could breathe properly. Like I’d surfaced after being underwater.
