It wasn't forbidden to tell natives about other worlds, though depending on the culture and society there could be unforeseen consequences for both good and ill.

Serena's appearance mirrored the common human, which was usually the most dominant intelligent species, allowing her to adapt and mingle with ease. Her beloved brother had even carefully instructed her over the years on how to blend in and discover more about the natives.

She never thought to be discovered so quickly.

"You are not from around here," Lucian observed as she sat across the small table from him.

"Didn't I already say that?" It was hard to look at him directly. His presence made her nervous; she felt trapped inside a cage.

"Yes, you did." He mused before trying another tactic. "What is the name of the country we are in?"

Ravana whistled, the sound grating even if she was the only one who heard it. "The pretty boy has you there. What are you going to say now?"

Serena smiled faintly, though she mentally began to curse the entity haunting her before finishing with, "You could help me out here instead of taking enjoyment in my discomfort."

"Why should I? You've been nothing but trouble to me since the beginning."

"But we are stuck together, are we not," Serena reminded her mental guest. "We might as well play nice."

"You aren't in any danger," Ravana said, ending the conversation.

There was a difference between what they considered dangerous then.

"Who are you talking to?" Lucian asked.

"Just myself."

"That isn't possible," Lucian replied.

"Oh?"

Lucian didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stared at her intently while she tried desperately to ignore the way his gaze seemed to bore right through her.

Finally, Lucian spoke again, "You have the same distant look as I do when I commune with the gods. Tell me, do you see a blue screen?"

The fae had her full attention now. "You know of the blue screens? What are they?"

"You truly do not know anything." He shook his head, clearly exasperated. "I am surprised by your ignorance. They are direct, and in most cases indirect, a line from various pantheons to believers. Through the intervention and communion with the Divine, we grow as individuals and in power. In return, those that patronize us have their prowess enhanced."

These pantheons designed this strange method of accessing the power and belief of the natives to amass devout and mindless individuals. It was a smart decision, one that even her kindred would attempt with the less evolved.

"I take it that each person who has access to this or can sense it at all has different ways of improving?" Serena asked.

"Of course," he answered without hesitation.

This was exactly why she'd wanted to speak to him because she needed answers.

"How does this work?"

"Each deity is connected to certain aspects of reality and thus allows the user to manipulate and master them. Each divine being also provides guidance and wisdom. Some deities provide insight into our pasts, others offer advice on present-day issues."

"So, you believe everyone has some sort of connection to these beings?" Serena questioned.

He shrugged. "Everyone believes in something, whether it be religion, science, magic, whatever. Everyone needs to feel like someone else cares enough to listen to what they want and need. That is where the Divine comes in."

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"And they're real?" Serena asked.

His expression hardened briefly, and she wondered if she'd offended him somehow.

"They are as real as the air we breathe. As much as you may doubt me, I assure you, everything exists somewhere. Even if you cannot perceive it, you must acknowledge its existence. If we deny things simply because they don't fit into our beliefs, then what kind of creatures are we becoming? How will we ever learn about ourselves if we refuse to accept that which lies beyond what we currently understand?"

Her mouth fell open slightly at his words. This man believed in such nonsense.

"Are you saying that you believe in this stuff?" she asked incredulously.

"I am telling you how I view the world. We are born ignorant. Our parents teach us the basics, and then we begin learning more about life than they knew themselves." His lips twisted upward as he added, "It takes time for people to realize that truth."

She couldn't argue against his logic. People did tend to become smarter over time—she hoped anyway. Otherwise, humanity wouldn't stand a chance.

"What other types of powers exist besides divine intervention?"

"All sorts. There are many different paths to acquiring them, however. The majority of mortals use their bodies to gain strength. Others choose to hone skills or find mentors who possess knowledge that can aid them. Still, others seek to harness their emotions and passions to achieve greatness."

"Can people learn more than one method of using abilities, powers, magic, and so on?" Serena asked. This was very important as she had been trained in a specific method. If it was incompatible with those of this world, it would be hard to regain what she lost.

"Yes, but there are dangers associated with attempting to master too many methods. Most often, the results are disastrous."

That sounded ominous. "Why?"

"Because the mortal mind becomes confused trying to process information from multiple sources simultaneously. You could end up losing control of yourself entirely."

Serena nodded. Veles had warned her of the risks involved in practicing multiple methods of manipulating energy, though he hadn't gone into detail. She suspected that was because he didn't think it necessary to warn her since she wasn't planning to practice any more than what he taught at the time. At least not yet.

Lucian continued talking. "In my opinion, only one type should be practiced in isolation until mastery is achieved. Once mastered, then another might be tried after careful consideration. It's far easier to unlearn methods than to try and relearn them later on. Many have died before reaching their potential due to a lack of caution when experimenting with new powers. Some were killed by the ones they sought to help, while others chose suicide rather than face the consequences of failure."

This conversation was making her uneasy.

Lucian smiled, the gesture oddly frightening for her to see. "That is why I know you are not native to this world. Otherwise, you would have known this."

"You are correct, I am not from this world." Serena sighed, deciding to tell him the truth. It would be good for someone to know what was going on, and he seemed to know a lot. Perhaps he could help her?

Starting from her alchemical mishap, Serena began to tell her story of the last few hours. It had only been a little over a day and all she knew was in question. Exhaustion pressed down on her shoulders, leaving her feeling weak. When she finished, Lucian sat silently staring ahead of himself. He looked troubled, deep in thought. Finally, he turned toward her, speaking quietly. "Tell me again," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

After repeating herself once more, Lucian smiled. It was a soft, almost gentle, gesture, or would have been if it wasn't for his gaze still being empty. No, that wasn't quite right. Her senses told her otherwise. Something within his features had shifted subtly. A flicker of something familiar…but wrong.

It reminded her of when she became fascinated with something, and such emotions were often mirrored in her brother so she knew it well.

"You have no connections to this world, and have lost sight of your brother." Was it just her imagination, or did Lucian seem relieved to hear those words? His expression remained unchanged, but now there was an edge of excitement behind it.

She was relieved that she didn't tell him anything about Ravana.

"Come with me to Mythras," Lucian said suddenly. "You can probably find some work there, or some way to raise your status and reputation."

"Why do you want me to travel with you?"

"Would you rather stay here?" Lucian countered.

Fair point.

"I will teach you about this world and guide you." His smile turned wry as he continued. "I have been heavily educated in a wide range of subjects. Surely one of them would be helpful to you at the very least."

Serena considered his offer carefully before answering. Having another ally would be helpful, but she couldn't quite trust him. He wasn't as obviously untrustworthy as Ravana, but things weren't adding up. Still, if he wanted her to come along, then perhaps he wouldn't harm her while they traveled together. There might even be opportunities to learn more. If nothing else, she needed to get out of town quickly. Maybe he could give her advice about how best to deal with her current situation.

Decision made, Serena nodded slowly. "Alright, I'll go with you. For now."

Lucian nodded, appeased by her decision. "We will set out in the morning. For now, why don't you get some more rest?" He motioned to a cot in the corner.

"Yes, thank you." She rose unsteadily to her feet, swaying slightly. With a nod to Lucian, she went off to bed.

Hopefully, she wouldn't be carried off in the middle of the night again.