chapter fifty-two

[ IN WHICH SHE REUNITES WITH A FRIEND AND HIS WOODEN BOWL ]

“I am taking you back to Alkhemi.”

Silence falls upon us as those words are said by Luca.

We both stare at each other in the quiet, dark building. The tranquil, night sky lays over us, pulling the sounds of crickets and other dangerous insects around us. If it weren’t for the bonfire, I wouldn’t be able to see the troubled look on Luca.

It seems as though his life depends on this— on taking me back to Alkhemi.

“Take me back.” The words sound weirder on my tongue, impossible even. “And how are you going to do that?”

Luca huffs. His chest rises and falls as he tries to keep his emotions under control. “What does it look like I am doing?” He points at the dead body. “Opening a portal to another realm doesn’t come easy; it has to come with a sacrifice; a price to pay, especially when you’re a lower celestial being. So, you’re welcome.”

I scoff. “You’re welcome?” I quote him. “You think you are my hero? For killing an innoc