Not What It Seems
Chapter 31

When I opened my eyes, I saw that I had returned to the forest. The color and light startled me from being blind for the past while. But my mind quickly returned to Vudu. Panic filled my heart as I sat up and began to look around. I didn’t know where I was specifically, and I knew I wasn’t going to easily replace the entrance into Diab. An additional ping of sorrow filled my chest as the thought of Vudu dying because of his feelings for me were acted on. What if he was already gone?

I held back tears as I tried to think of a way to confirm the speculations in my head. I was too panicked to think clearly, but I knew someone who could help me. Looking around, I remembered that my staff had been taken away when Vudu brought me into Diab. We didn’t have the chance to retrieve it before I was sent back. I needed to contact Lady Zaria.

Luckily, the small mirror I had in my pouch had been left alone by the demons. They didn’t seem to suspect that it was actually enchanted so I could contact Lady Zaria during times of emergency. I hardly ever had to use it. But I needed her now to guide me through this situation.

Pulling out the mirror, I poured my magic into it to activate it. The glass seemed to swirl like liquid until Lady Zaria’s face came into view. A flood of relief filled me as I let out a breath.

“Little one,” she greeted. “I see that Vudu has kept his word.”

I bit my lip and the tears I held back began to fall. “My Lady, he did not return with me. He said that the demons would be able to replace me if he stayed with me. I fear he may be gone.”

She was silent for a moment. Her eyes looked over me, and a small smile came to her face. “Zeriah, Vudu lives.”

My eyes pleaded for it to be true. “How can you be certain?”

“I knew something was different about that demon from the moment he walked into my home, and now I know.” She explained. “I suspect he told you about how demons are created.”

I nodded as I wiped away a tear with my finger. “Yes, through sacrifice, selling of the soul, or the leftover body of a pure soul.”

“I have lived a long life, and I have learned much about this world in all aspects. From Romos’s realm to Xegon’s, I have come to understand many things that are still unnatural to most people.” She continued. “Very few pure souls are actually successfully taken to Xegon to devour. But when they are, that new demon is far different from any other demon in the realm.”

“Are you saying that Vudu is one of those?” I asked. “He used to be a pure soul?”

She nodded. “And with that, he is actually closer to mortals than most demons. He can feel emotions that demons are unable. He loves you, doesn’t he?”

I nodded my head. “He told me before he sent me through, he portal.”

“And I must confirm,” she looked me straight in the eye. “Did he kiss you?”

I nodded once more.

“That’s what I figured,” she smiled. “Zeriah, Vudu has left a part of his essence connected to your soul with that kiss. If my theory is correct, only blessed demons are able to do that. He won’t die, and you technically are not a pure soul anymore because of him. You two are permanently connected.”

“Blessed demons?”

Lady Zaria closed her eyes. “Those with pure souls are blessed by Romos. Even if they are turned into demons.”

“That means I have to go save him.” I stood up but let out a defeated sigh. “But I don’t know where the entrance into Diab is.”

“Wait there for a few minutes.” She said. “I’ll be sending you something that you will be able to use to replace Vudu. Just put some of your magic in it. The tracker will be able to sense your connection to Vudu, and it will lead you to him.”

Sudden concern came to my face. “But I don’t have my staff. You know I can’t -”

“Now is not the time for you to worry about that.” She cut me off. “Don’t worry about your magic right now, use that to your advantage when you return to Diab.”

I glanced away from her. “Does Vudu know that he used to be a pure soul?”

“I imagine not.” She responded. “If he had known, he would have said something.”

I was silent for a moment. “Thank you, My Lady.”

“I will send you that tracker once we disconnect.” She nodded to me. “Zeriah, you are an amazing Mage. And I know that you can do impossible things if you have a little more confidence in yourself. When you return to Diab, remember Vudu. Fight for him, and you will succeed. Xegon will have no desire for you anymore because of Vudu. Only focus on getting him out.”

“Yes, My Lady.” I nodded.

“May Romos’s quill favor your story.” She said before a ripple in the glass caused her image to disappear.

As she instructed, I remained where I was until I noticed a small puff of magical smoke fly though the air. I reached out my hand and it moved to hover above it before it popped, dropping a small wooden object in my hand. There was nothing special about it just by looking at it. Just a piece of wood cut into the shape of an arrow. But I knew never to underestimate anything that was connected to Lady Zaria.

Closing my eyes, I focused on my magic going into the wood piece. I felt a surge of energy ripple through me, causing me to back off and pull away. But that small amount did enough. When I looked at the arrow, it was floating off of my hand, pointing in the direction I needed to go. A small smile came to my lips, and I began to walk in the direction given me.

My confidence rose and I only had one thing in my mind. I’m coming, Vudu.