Alana woke up because she was uncomfortable, there was something about the bed and sheets she was lying in that seemed off. They were soft, too soft compared to her usual sheets. This meant she wasn't back in her flat.

She slowly opened her eyes and startled at the dazzling light that embraced her. Squinting, she adjusted her eyes to the light, only to realise the dazzling light was sourced from the two small shinning things fluttering and hovering over her face.

As soon as she opened her eyes, these fluttering things became alarmed and flew away from her. This was the moment Alana's eyes focused and she realised these beaming lights were in fact two small elf-like female creatures with wings similar to Kilan's.

She remembered Kilan calling himself a fairie sprite and wondered whether this term was universal to all creatures that looked like him.

Alana slowly lifted herself up into a sitting position. She got another surprise when she saw the room she was in. It was as if she died and woke up in a princess-worthy palace bedroom.

The huge bed was shaped of a circle, the sheets a silky material she'd never felt before. The white satin curtains for this bed were suspended onto a wooden compartment that connected to the ceiling.

The whole foreground was plated in a gold luminous colour that could blind but also awe one's eyes. The furniture was minimalistic but had a urban touch to it; a wooden mahogany dresser on each corner of the bed. A wooden sofa-like sedan with gold and silver cushions was suited in the middle next at the foot of the bed. An office like desk was suited next to the huge double-doored windows. On this desk was the newest version of an iMac system and a compartment set where one could put their printing papers and stationery.

Fresh air was ventilating from the opened window doors in which Alana could see a balcony with a table set and chairs.

The huge room had three sets of double doors and Alana guessed these doors could lead to an exit out of the room, a closet room and a bathroom.

The two fairie sprites caught her attention as they flew around her. They had similar facial features; a straight nose, almond eye shape and upturned ears. The only difference was their coloured wings and eyes. One had yellow coloured eyes and wings, while the other had orange coloured eyes and wings.

They wore matching clothes which seemed to be made of satin and lace, however on a closer look, the material shone incandescently.

"Am I dreaming?" Alana asked.

The fairie sprites twitched at her voice. Then they floated above her, staring at her in wonder and awe. The yellow winged fairie flew closer to Alana, offering her something.

Since they were the size of her palm in length, the object she offered looked like a small grape barely the size of her finger tip. Alana studied the fruit and then stared at them suspiciously. They encouraged her to eat the small fruit, their twined beaming faces reassuring Alana that it wasn't poison.

Alana ate the pill-sized-grape-like-fruit, swallowing it immediately on reflex. It did taste of grapes but was much sourer and harder in texture than the sweet juice fruit she was used to.

Alana felt her mind become much more clearer after consuming the fruit. She could see better, hear better and felt better both physically and mentality. The drowsiness of sleep was completely absolved.

They both smiled in satisfaction after watching her consume the fruit, both of them flying even closer to her. Then suddenly the entrance doors opened, making them flutter in a scurry behind her shoulders.

A man with dark green coloured hair, eyes and eyebrows announced his presence by entering the room. He seemed to be hovering on a green misty cloud-like substance she couldn't decipher. His aura was intimidating, it had a certain authority that could cause one into submission.

"Miss, Alana—please don't be frightened on my account...my name is Zenos and I can assure you that you're in the safest place on earth." He trailed toward the bed in his cloud.

The twined fairie sprites revealed themselves from behind her shoulders, and the man's eyes shone bright green with his mischievous smile once he saw them.

"I see you've met Gigi and Fifi, they've only just reached their sprite stage and haven't mastered the human language as of yet. I hope they haven't bothered you." His last sentence was said as a reprimand to the twined fairies.

Alana shook her head to answer him.

"They only communicate through the mind, since you are only a mortal and cannot understand them, I can assure you that they won't be giving you much trouble..." He told her.

"You said they reached their sprite stage? What does that mean?"

"Of course, you won't understand at all...uninformed as you are. Not to worry, not to worry. In all due course I shall explain it all to you—"

"—Alright, alright, I'll tell her." He addressed this to the twined sprites fluttering in front of him, distracting him.

"They say the fruit they gave Miss Alana is an ailment to assist her into state of awareness...basically your mortal equivalent to coffee in the morning. They also persist on me telling you that you're the most beautiful mortal they have ever laid eyes on."

Alana didn't know how to react. She was flattered that such beings could find her measly self beautiful. Nevertheless, this whole phenomenon troubled her immensely.

"You understand them?" She asked him.

"How could I not? I have already reached immortality many millennia ago... understating mere fairie sprites such as Gigi and Fifi poses no trouble for me."

Alana was perplexed. Her mouthed itched for questions. However, being the centre of attention amongst these creatures was making her self conscious. She was in dire need of a shower.

Sensing her uncomfortableness, Zenos then explained the living situation to Alana.

"These quarters are equipped with a bathroom and change of clothes. You are free to use it as this will be your room for the next two weeks."

Two weeks?

Before she could ask where she was, how she got here and why she would be staying for two weeks? Zenos hurriedly pointed toward one of the doors in the room, informing her that it was the bathroom.

"After you've finished, there will be food waiting for you on the first floor."

Before Alana could respond, he quickly hooked Gigi and Fifi into some spell that made them follow him out of the room.

The door slammed just as she was about to open her mouth.

Dumbfounded by the whole experience, Alana made her way the door he had pointed.

The bathrooom looked very modernised compared to the vintage bedroom. There was a full body shower in one corner, with stony marble walls and a shower head hanging by the ceiling. There was also a oval shaped bathtub in center of the room. Suited in the other corner was the toilet. A full body mirror was landscaped besides a wide sink.

Alana went to the sink section and rummaged through the cupboards below for a toothbrush and toothpaste. Relieved to find these items, she quickly brushed her teeth. Afterward she opted for the full body shower.

In the shower she assessed her injuries and state. Besides the now completely healed burnt scar she'd received from the fire creature, she was unharmed. And what's more, the water from the shower aided her state of relaxation.

Despite the fact that it completely perturbed her how she can have healed so quickly, Alana reminded herself that she still wasn't sure of the time frame from when Lylas saved her. How long she had been unconscious? She couldn't tell.

It can't be more than just one day? She guessed.

Alana decided not to overthink and just go with the flow and thus she showered the sweat and grime of the past—however long since she had accumulated the dirt.

When she was done, she wrapped a light grey towel around her body and entered the bedroom again. She opened the other door and affirmed her guess earlier for it being a closet.

Nevertheless, it still surrendered her speechless as she opened the closet doors. It was so humongous she was certain her whole flat could fit into it, if possible. Truly a worthy princess-like closet.

Rows and rows, column and columns of clothes and shoes fitted the whole room. The whole closet could basically be a boutique shop. As she browsed through, Alana was shocked at seeing the famous brand names and ridiculous price tags still on them.

She quickly retreated her hand from touching them, afraid of contaminating the clothes. She missed her H&M jeans and t-shirt collection in her flat. She would have worn the clothes from yesterday or however long ago it was since she was in that cave. But soot and dust had made them dirty and stinky for presentable wear.

What to do? Might as well go for it. It's already weird enough that you woke up in a virtual Wonderland, what would wearing Chanel or Versace kill?

With this resolve, Alana opted for a white seamless lace dress that reached up to her knees and covered the base of her neck and shoulders. She paired this with tan block heels. Judging by the weather outside, it looked warm enough for this summery outfit.

She then sat down at the vanity dresser, her eyes glowing with intimidation at the branded make-up products in front of her. Alana didn't know why it bothered her, she usually didn't care for appearances. However, knowing somehow that there was a chance of seeing Lylas again today, she decided to try the make-up. The urge to impress him overruling prudence.

She didn't go all out: she just angled her eyebrows better, amplified her eyelashes, dabbed in some foundation, contoured her face in natural light, highlighted her nose and cheeks. She topped it all with a nude brown lipstick to match her shoes.

Afterwards she exited the room and got a fright when she saw two bright yellow and orange lights beelining towards her.

"Gigi, Fifi," Alana acknowledged the twined sprites.

They beamed and flew enthusiastically around her, as if studying her whole appearance. Alana guessed they were complimenting her and so she smiled in appreciation.

"How do I get to the first floor?" She asked them.

She looked around at the extravagant hallway marked with two diamonds crested chandeliers and ancient paintings—in which her artist self made her take time to appreciate.

Gifi and Fifi then prompted her to follow them to her destination.

***

After trekking down three flights of stairs, Alana and the two fairie sprites finally found themselves at the first floor's dining room.

Alana took a while to appreciate the decor and interior design of the room. It screamed ancient antique but with a touch of modernisation. Just like her room.

After her eyes took in the expensive decor, they landed on the excessive choices of healthy food which filled the extremely long mahogany dining table.

Gigi and Fifi encouraged her to sit and so she chose a seat in the middle. Alana wondered who else will join her when she counted fifteen other chairs around the table. She waited for someone to inform her that she could eat, restraining the urge to dig in ravenously at the deliciously looking food in front of her.

The twinned sprites still haven't left her side, they flew on each side on her shoulder. Their expressions still filled with admiration for her.

Just as she was about to cave in to her aching stomach, Zenos finally made his entrance. It was at the exact moment that Alana was about to sneak a bite of what she hoped was sliced apples.

Zenos smiled at her startled reaction. Then he hoovered over his green cloudy mist, until he took a sit opposite her.

"Master has instructed me to accompany you for your stay. I'm to acquaint you with everything." He informed her.

"Master?"

"Master Lylas, Yes. In your mortal language, I'm equivalent to a steward."

Steward? Master? It was very odd way to address Lylas, however, thinking how odd and eccentric her morning was so far. She shouldn't be that surprised.

Zenos made himself a plate of what looked to be porridge. Alana took his example and served herself some food. There wasn't any English breakfast and so Alana opted for what she hope was granola and yoghurt. She tasted the food and was surprised at how delicious it was. It definitely wasn't the ordinary granola and yoghurt she was used to.

"So... Miss Alana, tell me about yourself."

Zenos looked deeply into her eyes.

Alana watched the green colour of his eyes intensifying. The light in them was striking and Alana felt as if that light was piercing through her mind. His words and eyes confounded her in some authorisation. She felt as if she were fighting control with the light in his eyes. The light that was tempting and urging her to tell him everything about herself. Through this intense battle, Alana remained victorious.

She remained silent, staring pointedly at him in confusion and suspicion.

"Wow, you are immune to me... I am lacking a great deal if I cannot even suppress a mere mortal."

His mumbling made her remember this exact moment she had the first time she met Lylas.

"Lylas said the same thing to me when we first met...what exactly am I immune from?" Alana asked curiously.

Then, she had thought Lylas meant she was immune to his charm and good looks. Surmising over what's happened so far, there definitely was more to this.

"Master, cannot compel you?" Zenos seemed truly and utterly shocked. "In all the worlds, if even Master cannot suppress you then that makes me feel better... makes feel a lot better, indeed."

Alana stared at him suspiciously. "What exactly do you mean?"

"We demons and those able to cultivate their minds are able to manipulate the weaker of beings and that is you mortals...those with higher ranks in immortality can also manipulate those weaker than them. It all, however, depends how strong your essence is."

Alana looked at him as if he had just sprouted utter nonsense. However, there was something that stuck to her, frightened her.

She paled as she recalled his words. "W-we d-demons? You're a d-demon?"

Was it all true then? If he was also a demon that that man that abducted her was really a fire demon as Kilan had mentioned.

Zenos smirked at her bulging eyes.

Oh, mortals with weak mindset and bodies. I see why the heavens are so adamant on protecting your species. He thought.

"I am demon. Yes. Although this term in your language is derogatory to my true essence. I am a woodland demon to be specific. My mind is at peace and I have not lost my morals by thirsting for human flesh and souls to gain power...no, those type of demons, ghouls and goblins are what master and his soldiers always fight to prevent them from infecting the mortal realm."

"Realm—"

"I forget I'm speaking to just a weakling barely acquainted with the true works of the world." Zenos shook his head in derision.

"I'll explain then." He finalised.

Alana grabbed a toast of bread, dabbed some butter on it before taking a bite. Then her eyes stared him in determination. As long as her stomach had food, she was prepared for anything.

"Think of it like this..." Zenos began. "...throughout your history, some of your mortals—through the guidance of Master Lylas—were close into clearing their mental state of mind to receive enough divination to know how the truth of how the world worked..."

He then explained that this knowledge throughout mortal history has been watered down with many versions created. However, ultimately all religions that exist in the mortal realm believe in the same ideals: there's a heaven and there's a hell. The good are in heaven and the bad in hell.

Alana nodded, understanding.

Assured that the mortals was smart enough to cohere what he was saying, Zenos continued.

Originally there were five main realms in total and within those realms there are many other lands and territories. Now there are six realms if you included the realm they were in. Lylas's realm.

Alana froze when he mentioned this. Lylas has his own realm?

Zenos wasn't bothered by her frozen state as he continued.

On earth they were three main realms; the fairie realms, the demon realm and the mortal realm.

There was a rule that applied in all realms except for the mortal realm. This rule was that anyone who has primordial essence was able to cultivate to immortality.

A person with primordial essence has one or more extra arteries and veins. These veins and arteries pumped a special blood that brought about an increase in strength and stealth for that individual. It also extended their life. The more they cultivated these veins and arteries, the longer their life extended.

There were rare occasion where some individuals were born immortal. These individuals were usually gods and goddesses but the fairie realm's royal family were also included in that category. A person born immortal had five or more extra arteries and veins in their hearts.

Those not born immortal were able to cultivate to immortality because of their primordial essence. And so their road to immortality will depend on their series of trials and tribulation and how steadfast and willing they were to follow through in increasing their powers.

Alana remembered how Kilan mentioned he sensed primordial essence in her, that was why he drank her blood. She wondered briefly whether that meant she had an extra artery and vein, Zenos was talking about. But how could that explain her mortality?

"Individuals from the fairie realm, whether fairies, animals, trees, fruits and flowers, readily had the means and foundations to make them easily cultivate to immortality. That was because that realm was favoured and close to the heavenly realm." Zenos distracted her from her puzzlement.

Alana then took another bite of her toast and concentrated on what he was saying.

Individuals from the heavenly realm were already born immortal, most of everyone in that realm became gods and goddesses through their skills and their untroubled minds that made them easily cultivate to higher ranking immortals.

The heavenly realm had a king who was the main sovereign in power of establishing order and peace between all realms.

Individuals from the demon realm included, demons, ghouls and goblins. The demon realm was an unstable realm since it was less peaceful than other realms. Power and greed were the main driving forces in that realm. And their unnatural minds that weren't easily tamed, weakened their chances of enlightenment and their cultivation to immortality.

Because of the demon realm's instability, there were many territories and lands that separated each species. The demons were considered the wisest of the three main species, the ghouls the strongest and the goblins the canniest.

There was only a rare occasion that species from the demon realm reached immortality. The demon king was one of those people to have managed, but power and greed drove him to lessen the chances of others.

Those who failed to cultivate to immortality either died within just hundreds and a few thousand years.