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“Yes. So how did you do it? Because not me nor any other god or goddess has been able to lift whatever magic you did to trap them there and keep us out. Not even the goddess of wisdom knows how. She only knows it wasyou.”

Chapter39

LAYALA

Later that evening, after Layala packed her bags to leave for the city, she went looking for Hel. Her journals could be the key to unlocking the past fully. The key to knowing how to open the way to Runevale.

They could stay behind the walls for a few more months, hiding away from the demon prince, and she might remember everything but what if it took years? Even the weeks being stuck here made her slightly stir crazy and that’s when she had chores and things to do.

She popped her head into Presco’s study, where he usually was. He had several beakers lined up on the desk. One bubbled a bright green, two purple, and one like liquid silver. “What are those?”

He jumped, apparently not seeing or hearing her approach. Clearing his throat, he pushed his glasses up further on his nose. “I’m experimenting with potions. It’s how I make my livelihood now.”

“What do they do?”

He smiled and his face lit up. “Many things. Most I make are simply for fun or vanity and it is a lucrative business. If you drink this lighter purple, it turns your skin or scales purple for a few hours. I’m trying to perfect the formula for a longer duration.” He held up a finger. “Or I have a recipe to change your hair color if you’d rather that. That change will last until you buy another potion. Hair is less stubborn. Very popular with the ladies.” He lifted the silver beaker. “This one is my newest formula and I’m afraid it’s finicky.” It bubbled and hissed. “I’m attempting to create a formula that when taken will give the user dragon scales for armor. Temporary of course, but if I can make it happen, it would be worth a fortune. Imagine if the elves had it. A bite from a pale one wouldn’t penetrate. A sword wouldn’t break skin. Unfortunately, my last test subject turned an odd shade of green, vomited for hours, and there were no dragon scales.”

“It’s fascinating. I’m certain you’ll get it right. And maybe I’ll turn my hair pink for a day.” She wondered if she drank a potion for black if the white streak in her hair would go away.

He chuckled. “I have a bottle on my shelf at my shop in the city. It comes in various shades too. Just say the word and it’s yours.”

“Alright,” she said with a smile. “Did you see where Hel went?”

“He went out the front door about ten minutes ago.”

“Thanks.” She stepped out into the cool evening air, with the last of the dying light, hoping he hadn’t left for the night already. A splash of water caught her attention.He must be washing clothes. Although, wouldn’t he do that with magic?He always did. She even watched an enchanted broom sweep the floor for him once.

Well, he wasn’t washing clothes. Layala stopped, blood running hot and cold at once. He was naked in the metal tub.I guess I should be thankful he’s not naked outside the tub.Steam rolled out of the water. His head laid back against the rim, strong muscular arms resting on the sides. The tub only reached up to his armpits but was long enough he could stretch his legs. Her sight fell directly to the lily mark on his chest. The one she gave him by trying to stab him with Soulender. She apparently had a habit of trying to stab males she would fall in love with.

He opened one eye and then closed it again.Well, he saw me. No point in running off now.“Why didn’t you tell me sooner about me being the one to close off Runevale?”

“I couldn’t have you open the way unprepared or without me if you remembered.”

“And what makes you think I won’t now?”

He lifted his head and splashed water over his chest. “You won’t. You know you need me.” He cupped water in his hands and rinsed his face. Then scrubbed his hands over his hair and lifted his chin. “You just going to stand there and watch? I mean, if it was the other way around, I think you’d try to murder me… but I don’t mind. Look all you want, love.”I know you like what you see.

I never said I didn’t. You’ve always been beautiful.

A little bit or a lot?he teased.

More than you deserve to be.

He laughed.Why don’t you come closer and get a better look?

She knew he was teasing but folded her arms and shook her head.

Without warning, he stood, water cascaded down his very naked body. Layala didn’t let her eyes travel down before she spun on her heel. “Are you serious? Can you put on a towel?”

“It’s not anything you haven’t seen before.”

“Well, I don’t want to see it now.” She gritted her teeth. “Presco wants to leave for the city in the morning. Are you coming?”

She heard the water splashing and imagined he stepped out of the tub.

“You want to sneak into the most well-guarded institution in all the realms and we have a demon on our tail. As if I’d let you go without me.” He walked right by her, flashing his bare back, naked ass, and all.

Layala’s jaw dropped, not even registering what he said. Did he have no shame?But with an ass like that… No, bad, Layala.What he didn’t have was a sense of modesty which rang true for him. From what she remembered the people in his territory weren’t bothered by skin showing, yet they didn’t walk around fully nude.