Chapter 1

"Millenniums ago, Aestedore and Earth had coexisted as one world. However, humans became too greedy, too wicked. They saw themselves as superior to the non-humans and began to enslave Aestedorians.

So, the most powerful witches had assembled and, by coalescing their powers, they created an entirely new world— its most common nomenclature being Aestedore— for the Aestedorians to live in tranquillity, leaving Earth to humanity. However, they were incapable of liberating the few Aestedorians that had been incarcerated, thus leading to the inspiration for the creation of so-called mythological and fictional creatures.

These 'myths' had also been created through gateways that connected both worlds, of which men would go through and, if they survived, would return home to share their stories, documenting their travels and discoveries so the next generations could also share their knowledge with their successors.

As well as this, some enslaved Aestedorians that strongly resembled humans survived, became freedmen and bred children in the human world. However, they hid their true identities to intermingle with the humans and remained inconspicuous, which is why many earth-born Aestedorians do not know of their true origins. Many Aestedorians are still able to recognise these earth-borns as authentic Aestedorians—"

"Nev, I love you, but you seriously need to go out and experience the real world rather than just stick your head in a mythology or folklore book all day," Jabali interrupted with a sigh around a mouthful of noodles, spooning some more into his mouth as he said, "When was the last time you got laid?"

Neveah cringed, folding the corner of the page she was on before closing and placing the book she had been reading on the table. She thought about Jabali's question. She was pretty sure the last time she'd had romantic relations with someone, let alone sleeping together, was…four months ago.

"Four months," she finally answered with a grimace. Jabali choked on his noodles.

"That's it; we're going out tonight, whether you want to or not," Jabali sputtered as Neveah sympathetically patted him on the back. "And you're not gonna say crap about mythology or anything of the sort; you're gonna dance, have fun, and get laid, alright?"

Neveah sighed but nodded anyways. She'd much rather sit at home and continue reading her new book, but she knew her best friend was somewhat right; she didn't get out of their apartment enough. Plus, she could do with getting some…anything.

Neveah Furaha wasn't one who usually embarked on nights out, whether to get laid or otherwise. As a twenty-four-year-old living in the city, this was quite 'unusual', at least according to her friends. If she wasn't working as a freelance designer, she was either painting or reading one of her many mythology books.

Ironically, this was how she'd met her best friend, Jabali: following their first induction sessions in their first year of university, he'd noticed her reading in the canteen and had approached her. Though teasing, Jabali had shown interest in her book — and her nails — and they'd become fast friends ever since, initially bonding over their shared interests in the arts. They'd moved into the city together once they graduated, and the rest, well, was history.

This is why she knew Jabali, though oftentimes crude with his words, meant well, and was also correct. It indeed had been a while since she'd had any romance with anyone, and, truth to be told, she missed it. Her last relationship had ended drastically a year ago, and she hadn't had the heart to enter into one since then. Since her breakup, she'd had a few flings here and there, but nothing meaningful nor substantial. As a result, she'd all but given up on love and instead chose to delve deeper into her crafts.

The world of mythology and mystical beings had always intrigued her from a young age. Maybe it was her mother continuously reading her such books from a young age that had first developed this interest, but regardless, it was something she loved to spend her time learning about. Delving into the various worlds created by curious minds, imagining lands far and wide that hosted beings from both the highest and heavens and depths of hell...it was fascinating.

Much more fascinating than dealing with the hopeless reality that faced her.

Well, not entirely hopeless. Neveah knew she was pretty attractive; at 5'8 and with alluring features, she'd heard 'you're tall for a girl' and 'you should be a model!' more times than she could count. It was flattering in some ways, and at first, but also frustrating. She'd yet to connect with anyone on a sincere level since her ex and had all but given up on finding 'the one'.

Yes, she knew she was still young, and yes, she knew she had plenty of time, but going on a multitude of dates that never went anywhere or ended in disaster was enough to put a pin in her search for love. So, instead, she directed that energy towards her craft and her friends, and she was content.

Jabali, it seemed, wanted more for her.

☽

"You know I love you, babe, but no matter what you say, I know you're bored of being single!" Jabali shouted over the loud bass.

They were currently in their preferred spot, Myst and More', or M&M, as it was known to the locales, after Jabali had all but dragged her there. The place was busy but with enough room to breathe, and they'd already had several shots to begin with.

Neveah rolled her eyes with a smile. Her best friend wasn't exactly wrong, but she didn't want to admit so. "I'm gonna get another drink," she said instead, "want one?"

With two thumbs up from her friend, she turned and headed to the bar, taking a seat on the few available stools and placing her order.

She idly tapped her nails against the table, looking around the club. Some faces she recognised as the usuals; others were unfamiliar. Her eyes eventually landed on a male who stood on the other side of the bar.

She couldn't help as her eyes widened slightly as she took him in.

God, was he beautiful.

His presence almost commanded the room, an aura of intensity and strength radiating from him in waves. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his long loc'd hair tied back, his skin a deep umber brown, dressed in a loose shirt thrown over a leather jacket.

As if sensing her gaze, his eyes snapped to hers, holding her gaze unrelentingly. Neveah felt her breath hitch as the corner of his lip lifted into a smile.

She quickly looked away, ignoring how her heart had quickened. God, she was so lame. Yes, he was handsome and possibly, definitely, the most beautiful man she'd ever laid eyes on, but...this was ridiculous. She was an adult, for God's sake, not a lovesick teen.

She quickly took a swig of the cider she'd ordered, preparing herself to return to Jabali, until the bartender placed a cocktail in front of her.

"I didn't order this," she said, her brows furrowed in confusion.

The bartender gave her a knowing smile, motioning his head to her right. "Looks like you've got an admirer."

Steeling her breath, she turned to look in the direction the bartender had pointed. Lo and behold, the beautiful man stood just a few seats away from her. And up close, his beauty was indescribable.

Even in the dimness of the bar, she could still make out the bright, cocoa-coloured eyes that held her own unwaveringly. Her eyes drifted down to the sweet button nose, the full lips, and the thick and well-groomed beard that she had the urge to run her fingers through. Down to the muscled neck, the prominent collarbones visible through his thin shirt that hosted a hint of a tattoo inking down to his right pec.

Her eyes continued to roam down, down, down...

At the sound of a blatant cough, her eyes snapped back up to the man's eyes. While she was too busy gawking, he'd moved a chair closer, with only one seat between them. The pleasant scent of patchouli and pine trees wafted towards her.

She felt her face heat up once she noticed the amusement in his eyes, the small smile on his lips. She cleared her throat, subtly wiping hands that suddenly felt way too clammy against her thighs.

"Why did you buy me this?" She asked, not knowing what else to say. It seemed her social skills had long since flown out the window.

The man's smile only deepened, and God, was that a hint of a dimple she saw? Her heart only seemed to beat faster, her skin suddenly feeling too warm.

"Just thought you could do with another drink," he responded.

His voice was deep and mellow, demured yet hardened all at once. The simple words rolled off his tongue as smooth as honey, his gaze on Neveah unyielding and promising. She was both captivated and intimidated, and it seemed like every part of her ached for this stranger.

Fuck. She was in trouble.