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Nox takes another step backwards, though it seems involuntary as shock replaces his confusion. “You came here to die?”

“What other moron do you know would willingly jump into the Blood Sea, climb a cliff upwards into a realm which they’ve never been to, to find peace in a place called the Bloody City?”

“Most people who come out of the sea aren’t ready for death,” Nox shrugs. “We get people climbing out after being declared dead from your side. They get here, are given their corporeal form back, and continue to live on until they’ve completed their purpose.”

“Great. So you’re the fisherman who caught me?” I deadpan.

Nox inhales deeply. Apparently dealing with me can only be tolerated for so long. “I’ll escort you to the estate used for when he comes to visit.” Turning slightly away, Nox glances down at the sword I’m still holding before gesturing for me to follow him. “There are certain things you need to be aware of, immortal–”

“Keres,” I grind out, interrupting him. “My name is Keres, not immortal.” There’s a good chance the next person who calls me immortal is going to get my sword shoved through their kidney in a very impolite manner.

“Keres,” Nox agrees.

The buildings continue to be just as ornate looking the deeper we go into the city. Shops, outdoor seating, and large spaces with lush greenery provide a relaxing environment. As we wind our way through more of the city, I keep an eye out for any other person wandering around but there’s no one to be seen.

“First thing you need to understand is Lord Rowan is a ruler in our realm, seen higher than the other Lord and Ladies that live here. What he commands will be done. He does not typically get involved in issues here unless his assistance is considered dire. Because his mother is the one who sent you here, he will attempt to remedy your situation, but if he is not in the mood then he may not.” Nox pauses. “Although, with four or five souls inside of you, he might just kill you on the spot which is your goal, I take it.”

The Lord of Shadows also possesses a name, forgoing the title I was told. “You would be correct.”

“Immortals are not typically found here for obvious reasons,” Nox awkwardly states. “With souls choosing to be in corporeal form until they feel ready to lay to rest, it is pointless to create immortals. Lord Rowan has the final say for any immortal here, and there are only a handful performing various tasks.”

Which means he’s more likely to grant my death than keep me alive. A sigh of relief eases the tension in my chest. “Understandable.”

Nox hesitates briefly. “He could also send you back. I’ve never heard of it being done, but he does threaten it from time to time with people. The only person he listens to is Zeke and even then it is complicated.”

“Zeke is the one who is alerting him now?”

“Yes. He’ll be back before Lord Rowan.”

My eyes narrow on Nox, but he doesn’t turn around. How exactly is the person set out to relay information to this Lord Rowan going to make it back before he does? Will they not travel together? What could Lord Rowan possibly be doing in the Wraithlands where he couldn’t immediately come back with his indentured servant or whatever Zeke qualifies as here in this realm? “Do you expect this will take long?”

“Impatient to die?” Nox jokes, a smirk on his face as he turns back to look at me.

I narrow my eyes at him, relaying my distaste for his commentary. “Yes, actually. Do you know what it’s like to live beyond your years for the enjoyment of someone else? I have little that I care for, little that I find peace with. My life was stolen from me, but in this I will be free due to my actions and choices.”

Nox is quiet for a few moments, silently leading me down a narrow strip between two ornate buildings. The more of this city I see, the easier it is to tell the buildings look like different sizes of the same cutout. Maybe the people here find solace in the similarity of their surroundings. “I live beyond my years now because I enjoy helping others find their peace. To have that taken away goes against the nature of who we are. We could lose sight of the curses we fight against and instead sway to meet them.”

Seems like his take on being an immortal on this side of the sea takes on a vastly different role than mine. “It's hard to not bend to the curses whim when you have no option but to be in debt to it.”

He inclines his head. “This way.” Through the alleyway, we continue to walk for what seems like forever. The walls are so close on either side of us I could touch them with my hands. After several long minutes we stop where a red closed door halts us. Nox twists the knob, pushing open the door and walking inside. “Leave the sword by the door.”

The entrance to the room is large. Tall ceilings in white with carvings barely visible protruding through. Wooden columns in each corner support the vast room. The walls are all various shades: forest green, deep red, navy blue, and a color that matches the damp sand from beneath the Blood Sea.

Several people are wandering around who pause to take us in. Most nod in greeting to Nox before flashing a curious glance in my direction. No one seems to mind the sword gripped tightly in my hand. Still, I follow Nox’s directions by leaning the piece of metal against the wall by the door.

“Has anyone seen Zeke?” Nox asks the room at large.

Several people shake their heads.

An olive skinned woman steps forward covered in flour, a kitchen towel in her hands as she smiles politely to both of us. Her hair is wound into a messy knot on top of her head, held together with a strand of silk. Her dark gaze lands back on Nox before she says, “He has not yet returned. He informed us of what was happening. We’re preparing for the arrival of Lord Rowan and Lady Cirilla.”

Nox stiffens beside me. “I was not informed she would be coming.”

A man walking by scoffs under his breath. “None of us were.”

“When Zeke was made aware of what was happening, she was already here,” the woman from before adds with a roll of her eyes.

Interestingly these people can freely talk with obvious dislike in their voices about a Lady. Doing so in Tellus would easily get them killed. “But she’s not here now?” I interrupt.