The inside of Inzo’s apartment was in disarray. Books were strewn across the floor, papers cluttered a couple of tables, and two cups of lukewarm coffee were on the counter. He had just listened to some outrageous story from his business partner and her grandmother.
“Okay. So, wait a minute,” Inzo started. He was seriously confused. “What do you mean you heard a voice telling you to ‘come to Ravenfair too’?” He asked skeptically while using air quotes for emphasis.
“Long story short,” Bridget began. “I was messin’ around with the package we received earlier today and I had a vision. I was told to come to this town called Ravenfair which so happens to be in a realm by the name of Telyssia that’s not even on Earth.”
After Bridget told him all about what she saw, Inzo sat quietly. He was slightly miffed that she didn’t wait to open the mystery package with him, but he quickly got over it.
“Alright, this is freaky.” He paced his apartment as he spoke. “Back at the store, I saw this pale bluish light and all of a sudden I wasn’t here... er... on Earth, I guess. I was in this huge forest. I walked up on some big blue wolves and when I looked at my feet, to make sure I wasn’t trippin’, I was a wolf too! They started talking to me in my mind and called me some crazy name that I ain’t gonna even try to pronounce. I started to hear my actual name and woke up to my head in your lap.”
Once he finished talking, he realized that they both sounded stupid out loud.
“Aiight, you’re coming with us to Telyssia,” he heard the older of the two women say. “The only way to truly understand what is happening is for you to see it for yourself. I can tell you right now, what you saw will haunt your dreams until you figure out what it all means.”
He was over it all at this point. “Lady, you’re crazy if you think I’m going with you to some imaginary realm. I’m pretty sure it was all just a fluke, a hallucination,” he said with his arms crossed.
“Inzo!” Bridget exclaimed, shocked that he dared speak to her grandmother in that manner.
“It’s quite alright child, he’s just in denial,” Bridget’s grandmother dismissed the sentiment. “However, young man, that was the first and last time you will ever speak to me with that tone of voice. Now listen up as I will only say this once.”
“I apologize, Ms. Mayfield,” Inzo said with his eyes downcast and listened intently to what she had to say.
“Everything that has happened to you two in the last few hours is real and magick, with a ‘k’ is exists. I’m a Telyssian witch and the realm is very much a tangible place,” she said. “Haven’t you wondered where people got their inspiration for all these books, movies, and TV shows?”
“I meaaaaaan... everybody’s wondered about these things but, damn, I never actually thought the shit could be real.”
“Watch your language,” she said. “I don’t allow that kind of talk around me.”
“Sorry.”
“Well, like I said, it’s real and the only way for any of this to make sense is for you to come with us.”
“Okay. I’ll go with you,” Inzo began. “But, you have to bring me back as soon as we get answers.”
Maman nodded. “Excellent dear, you really didn’t have a choice in the matter anyway,” she said with a cryptic smile. Inzo started to say something but stopped when he saw Bridget shake her head with a chuckle of her own. “Well, come along now. It’s nearing the witching hour, perfect time for realm traveling.”
Inzo looked at Bridget and his facial expression said everything. This woman really said that as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Bridget laughed at him as she followed her grandmother out the front door. He trailed after them seconds later. His friend headed to the driver’s side of the bug but Ms. Mayfield stopped her.
“I’ll drive this time, my dear.” Once everyone was in the car, he felt the car pulled off and they were off to see the wizard.
After about fifteen minutes, the car stopped in front of an old subway station service entrance. Inzo let Bridget out while her grandmother proceeded to stuff all her belongings from the trunk into one huge bag. She met them at the entryway and with a wave of her hand, the bug disappeared. The young duo gawked at the now empty space.
“Follow me and stay close,” Maman commanded.
It seemed like forever before they reached a wooden door with grooves and ancient markings on it. Maman took out a dagger and cut her hand. She let the blood trickle into one of the grooves until it was full.
“Bridget, give me your hand.” His friend did as she was told and they watched as the blood from her cut trickled down into the second groove. Inzo stuck out his hand next with an eye roll. Once all three grooves were full of the thick red fluid, the door began to glow. When it stopped, the doorway opened on its own accord and sucked the three of them inside.
ns 18.68.41.141da2
