Luna and I were waiting for our audience with the Matriarch. Turns out the castle is built into an underground cavern. Cyra was an interesting mix of above and below ground, built into the natural environment. Lilas and Ailla were waiting with us. I wanted to ask Luna about Lilas. And Themys. And get a game plan, but I had to sit next to her patiently. Lilas was sitting in Ailla’s lap, looking ecstatic. The furniture was nice, and all was shades of white, brown, and green that had this natural aesthetic to them.

Relax, Nil. Luna told me like she could read my mind.

I have a lot of questions. I replied, shifting in our seat.

I know; just keep it together for now. Luna stated calmly, stroking my hair a little.

“You two are oddly mature for your age.” Ailla chimed, holding Lilas close.

“We are just trying our best given the circumstances.” Luna explained with a smile.

“My mom should be willing to help you two a little. Where are you from?” Ailla inquired, looking between Lilas and us.

“Speranza.” Luna answered. I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!

“That’s quite far.” Ailla quipped, her eyes widening a bit.

“It was a brutal trap.” Luna retorted with a forced smile.

“Why does your hunting dog not have a collar?” Ailla inquired. Oh, Lords above. Why? Why?!

“Demons are more equal in our relationships. As you know, Demons for life, so we don’t put collars on our men.” Luna explained. I didn’t know that. I knew Demons tend to be monogamous, but there’s a reason. I’ll ask Luna about it. Why is that?

“It’ll help convince Mom if he’s wearing one.” Ailla informed us. No. Luna. Please.

“Do you have one I could borrow?” Luna requested. I kept my face as neutral as possible. It’s to get home. It’s to get home. Focus on the end, not the now.

“I do. Here.” Ailla obliged, tossing Luna a collar she pulled from a ring.

She inspected it for , before tapping her eye. Got it. I activated my and inspected the collar as well. After we both were convinced that it was safe, Luna put the collar on me. Lux would be laughing her forling butt off. We need their help. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Ailla was smirking at us but said nothing. Lilas was nuzzling Ailla, giving her massive puppy dog eyes. She pulled him in close before gently massaging the nape of his neck as he snuggled in with a smile.

“Can you get your dog to relax? He seems, tense.” Ailla asked Luna. We’re stuck across the world. How can Luna look so calm?

Play along Nil. Luna told me as she poked my cheek.

How? I checked. I felt so out of my depth. I didn’t struggle this badly when I was a baby. What’s the difference? I missed home; I didn’t miss Earth.

I don’t know, lay down and put your head in my lap. Luna suggested. I begrudgingly complied.

“Good boy; you don’t have to be on guard.” Luna praised, gently stroking my hair. Why does that feel good?

“I can give you pointers on how to get him to listen better.” Ailla offered. I dislike it when you speak.

“Nil listens just fine. He is just being protective.” Luna defended me, adjusting her hand a bit. Why is that so pleasant?

This wasn’t bad. Ailla and Lilas were both looking at us. I wondered what they’re thinking. Elves were definitely different; it was mildly concerning. We stayed like that for a few minutes before a servant came in to grab us. The four of us followed the servant to a large throne room. Sitting on the throne was an elf that looked quite similar to Ailla. Her hair was a deeper color, and her skin was a bit tanner. Other than that, they were identical. They even dressed similarly. Her gaze made me want to crawl. Standing next to her was the buffest elf I ever saw. Lords above. He had to be the tallest individual I ever saw. Look at those muscles. His arms were the size of my head. The elf was built like a brick wall. He had a skin tone between Ailla and Lilas. His eyes were a much deeper crimson which were instantly glaring at us. Why is he only wearing some short loincloth combo? I made sure to follow Luna with a small distance between us.

Copy me after about three seconds. When not talking, be quiet and behave. Luna informed me. I figured that, but I was kind of glad she clarified.

“Lady Luna Odeus Dawnsfield greets the Matriarch.” Luna stated politely with a bow. One. Two. Three.

“Nil greets the Matriarch.” I repeated, bowing as deeply as I could.

“What brings two demon children to Themys?” the Matriarch asked. Whoa, her voice is deep. I expected it to be low, but it was even deeper than I thought it would be.

“We were caught in a trap that teleported us to the Ahzen Forest. Specifically, into the territory of an .” Luna answered. I was just scanning around, counting how many guards were in the room. Our only hope was to out if they attacked.

“Where are you from?” the Matriarch probed. Why is her glare so intense?

“Speranza.” Luna replied. The atmosphere was stifling. I was so glad Luna was the one talking.

“How?” the Matriarch inquired. Luna looked at me. Why does the trap matter?

“I need my hunting dog to explain that.” Luna informed her.

“Why?” the Matriarch probed, seeming offended by the notion I would need to talk.

“The type of is something he could explain better than me.” Luna clarified. She also seemed perplexed as to why the trap mattered.

“You may talk, dog.” The Matriarch permitted. Her gaze was like I was dog shiza on the bottom of her boot.

“It was a long-distance teleportation with a predetermined point. It was a set of that were designed to cloak themselves, look for a specific demon to trigger, and then use ambient to power them for the launch was all I could determine before they activated. There were people waiting for us to try and kill Luna.” I explained. I noticed Lilas poke Ailla. The elves were exchanging looks with each other. They definitely were discussing something.

“Are you positive Luna was the target?” Ailla checked. What are they thinking?

“It dropped us off in the middle of the territory of an , which definitely is something suited to the task.” Luna replied. Lilas’s eyes narrowed. Wait a second; that’s why Lilas is dangerous. I focused my gaze on him. Lilas realized I was staring at him, so he hid behind Ailla.

“Do you have any idea who made such a trap?” the Matriarch inquired. Her face made it obvious she didn’t believe us.

“No.” Luna sighed, deflating a bit.

“Why is your dog glaring at Lilas?” the Matriarch snarled. Her gaze was making me uncomfortable. It was not fair how strong adults are. Luna gave me a cut that out now glare which I complied with.

“He’s a bit on edge; I apologize for his gaze.” Luna apologized. Lilas got behind Ailla more.

“What are your intentions from here?” the Matriarch checked as her stare made me want to grab Luna and away.

“We were hoping you could help us reach a port. It’s our most realistic way to get back home.” Luna explained, occasionally glancing at me to be sure I wasn’t looking at Lilas.

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“I’ll need to think about it. For now, you can be a guest.” The Matriarch declared, dismissing us with a hand wave. The elves kept looking at each other, a bit irritated.

We bowed respectfully before we left the throne room. We took all of two steps before Luna immediately dragged me aside by my ear. OW! OW! OW! Her face was definitely less than happy with me at the moment. Okay, glaring at Lilas mid conversation was probably not the best move. She was really marching while holding my ear. Luna, you might rip my ear off.

“What did I tell you?” Luna snarled, sounding irritated to say the least.

“Behave.” I answered as I was trying not to look at her. That was rewarded with her snapping my head back to her via my ear.

“So why did you glare at Lilas?” Luna pressed. It was not my best moment.

“I realized why he’s dangerous. Lilas is a tactician of some sort, isn’t he?” I answered sheepishly. Wow she looks mad.

“Yes; we need their help. Next time we see him, apologize.” Luna lectured, waving her finger at me.

“Yes ma’am.” I acquiesced. I need to think a bit more before reacting; that was impulsive and dumb when we need their help.

“Come on, we need to find a place to stay.” Luna snapped at me. Her cheeks were slightly puffing at me.

“We can help with that.” Ailla interjected. She was smiling as Lilas was standing behind her. When did they get there? Luna immediately jabbed my ribs.

"I would like to apologize Lilas.” I stated as I was trying to keep my voice level. I was getting to it.

“It’s fine.” Lilas replied weakly. I’m seven, how did I scare him? Or was there more to it?

“I did have one question. Why are you two lying?” Ailla challenged. Her gaze was focused directly on me.

“We’re not lying.” Luna retorted, looking offended at the accusation.

“You were seriously the target? No idea who made such an elaborate trap?” Ailla pressed. Trust us, we’re stumped on who and why.

“I was definitely the target; Nil had to force himself into the trap. We’ve been trying to figure it out, but we’re both stumped. Why would you think Nil is the target?” Luna explained, looking beyond furious. Note to self, don’t accuse Luna of lying.

“Nil definitely seems to be more abnormal.” Ailla pointed out, clearly unconvinced.

“Why would someone not want to hurt the one in charge?” Luna challenged, keeping her voice surprisingly level despite her clear anger.

“To hurt you. Take something precious from you.” Ailla answered. But who hates me that much? Luna and I looked at each other as Ailla pet Lilas’s head.

“It’s fine. I think I understand now.” Lilas quipped. I was curious just how smart Lilas was.

“Understand what?” Luna probed as she took a calming breath.

“Either someone wanted to kill you desperately for something your family did, or someone wanted to hurt Nil. I’m not sure which without more information.” Lilas explained. I had the feeling his guess was better than that. What does he become in the future?

“Come on, I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.” Ailla sighed, picking up Lilas like a princess. Now that I think about it, I wonder if they have knights in shining armor saving princes here.

Ailla escorted us through Cyra. Luna still looked annoyed as we walked. She definitely was irritated at what Ailla implied. Lilas appeared to be on cloud nine as Ailla carried him, ignoring us glaring at Ailla. I nudged Luna, who looked at me. She took a deep breath again as she calmed down.

Could you tell me more about Lilas? I inquired. I had a guess, but I wanted to be sure.

He is probably the best logistician in history. His tactics also were able to overcome major disadvantages. I’m just surprised that is what he looks like. When I imagine a war hero, I don’t imagine him. Luna explained, looking at Lilas.

He’d be a useful friend. I quipped. Ailla was nuzzling Lilas while rubbing his stomach. Lilas was doing little baa sounds for her.

Obviously. Why I said behave. Luna told me. Her face was clearly torn on witnessing how Lilas was acting and what she knew he was capable of.

“I am sorry Lilas. I was just figuring out why you were there; I’m sorry my gaze made you uncomfortable.” I apologized again. Not sure how a kid managed it, but I'd better work on it.

“It’s fine. I realize you didn’t have any ill intent.” Lilas replied, snuggling into Ailla. I guess eccentricity does follow genius. Totally not coping with what I’m seeing.

“Your dog does apologize well.” Ailla quipped with an approving nod.

We reached a building near the castle; we just walked in a large half circle. The four of us entered the house, which was. Interesting. Why are there so many plushies? It was a lot. A lot isn’t enough to describe this. There had to be hundreds of lamb plushies. Actually, there might have been a thousand of lamb plushies. There was a couch, table, a few chairs, all with an open layout that let the kitchen kind of blend into the dining and family area. And there were plushies everywhere but in the kitchen.

“Welcome to our home!” Lilas declared as Ailla set him down.

“It’s. Wow. It’s pretty.” Luna said, admiring the incredible amount of plushies.

“Really? Don’t think there’s too many plushies?” Ailla taunted with a knowing smirk.

“Did you want to know their names?” Lilas asked with incredible fervor; his face was so excited. Luna gave me a glare. Please. No. Luna maintained the stare that informed me she was serious.

“Sure.” I sighed. Lords. Why?

Lilas didn’t catch that I deflated slightly and began introducing me to his lamb plushies. Ailla and Luna abandoned me to my suffering almost immediately. How did he remember their names? I sat there with a smile as Lilas rattled off names. He knew each one. Each name. Each location. Plushie. After plushie. Some had associated lore Lilas would tell me. Why is he obsessed with plushies? The final total: one thousand three hundred forty-seven lamb plushies. Lords above why? I might have been smiling but internally I wanted to cry. Where did they go? Save me. Where did they go? Luna still wasn’t back. Where did Ailla take her? She’s likely safe. Lilas seemed to sense I was getting a bit uneasy at the lack of Luna. Before Lilas said anything, the door burst open. Standing in the frame was the brick wall that was next to the Matriarch. I think that’s her husband. He stepped in, closing the door behind him. He’s massive; the elf looks like he could pimp slap a dragon.

“Pops!” Lilas cheered, looking happy to see him.

“Hello.” I said weakly. How is he so big?

“Nice to see you Lilas. Hello Nil, I am Chalas.” Chalas told me, with a stern face. Is that his default expression? Chalas’s voice was oddly silky. Immensely deep, but silky.

“Where did Ailla take Luna?” I checked, trying to sound alive.

“You asked Lilas about the plushies, didn’t you?” Chalas inquired with a knowing smirk.

“He did! It was great!” Lilas chimed, looking happy.

“Probably shopping for dinner then. Making sure that the freshest and highest quality ingredients are being selected.” Chalas told me with a chuckle.

“What do you think she’s making for dinner? I hope she makes soup.” Lilas cheered, doing little mini fist pumps.

“This late Lilas? She’s probably making burgers.” Chalas informed him. Lilas deflated.

“But soup.” Lilas grumbled. I mean, I’d like to try burgers. We never eat things like that in Speranza. Finger and hand foods are never served.

“Ailla cooks?” I checked. They didn’t have servants either from what I observed.

“Lilas has many talents, cooking is not one.” Chalas informed me. Lilas looked a bit embarrassed.

“I’m not that bad at cooking.” Lilas squeaked as he looked away doing a little fidget with his fingers. He must be awful at cooking.

“I’m back! Dad! I may not have enough for you too!” Ailla announced as she entered with Luna.

“What are we having?” Lilas asked excitedly, his face full of hope.

“Soup.” Ailla informed Lilas who began celebrating.

“Greetings Matriarch Servant.” Luna said with a polite bow.

“Just call me Chalas.” Chalas told Luna.

“What did Mom decide?” Ailla inquired as she walked into the kitchen.

“She’s debating whether to help or not. Nil, let’s help Ailla prep the ingredients.” Chalas stated. I knew it wasn’t a request.

“I could help!” Lilas offered with a smile.

“No!” Ailla and Chalas snapped in unison. I’m kind of curious how bad at cooking Lilas is.

“Yes sir.” I agreed as I walked over.

I was tasked with peeling the vegetables. Chalas began cubing and dicing various ingredients. Ailla pulled out a large stock pot and began constructing the soup. Luna sat on the couch with Lilas, discussing something. In no time, the soup was simmering. We all went into the family area, so I sat next to Luna. She pet my head like a dog with a smirk. She’s probably never going to let me forget this. Lilas almost immediately hopped onto Ailla’s lap.

“Don’t worry you two, Uryana is just acting like she’s thinking about it. In about a week, she’ll agree to give you two an escort to Avon.” Chalas informed us. Luna and I felt instant relief.

“Thank you for telling us, Chalas.” Luna replied, sounding a lot less tense than earlier.

“Now Nil, your lessons with me start tomorrow. Luna, Ailla will be helping you.” Chalas added on.

“What?” we asked in unison. What lessons?

“You shouldn’t rely on your hunting dog to fight everything. You might practice a bit, but I feel some pointers will help. You strike me more as a mage than a fighter, which isn’t bad, but hand to hand is important.” Ailla explained to Luna.

“I guess that wouldn’t hurt.” Luna agreed. It gives us something to pass the time.

“What lessons for me?” I inquired. I mean, I’m not the best archer or swordsman yet, but those take time.

“Archery. I heard several laughing about how rough it was.” Chalas told me. Fine. Wait. When did they see me shoot?

“What about Lilas? He could give some pointers.” I pointed out. I kind of want to learn logistics and tactics from someone Luna said was the best in history.

“I got work tomorrow.” Lilas quipped, leaning into Ailla who snuggled him into her.

“Don’t worry Nil, the lessons won’t be that bad.” Chalas assured me.

At this point, Luna tapped her lap while grinning at me. Luna was relishing this. I obeyed, setting my head on her lap. She was petting me like a dog again. I vowed to remember this. We made small talk for the rest of the time until the soup was ready. This soup is amazing. It might be the fact we’ve only had crap to eat for the last two weeks, but Ailla is an amazing cook. We gave Chalas the pelt of the which he said he’d get made into a more proper blanket. After that, Luna and I were shown the guest room. Why is there a literal dog bed in here?

“Don’t worry, we can share the bed.” Luna told me once it was just us.

“Thanks.” I said drily. Luna was smirking at me. I bet it’s hilarious.

“You’re welcome. Come on, let’s shower and then rest.” Luna stated.

Luna went first, but the water was still hot. It felt so good to be able to shower. It might have been the best shower I ever took. I walked out, changing into the fresh clothes Chalas gave me. I never realized how much I took showers and clean clothes for granted. I laid on the bed, and Luna immediately snuggled into me. Luna and I talked a bit as we laid there. I set my head on hers, enjoying her company as we drifted off.