Chapter 30. Homeland

AURELIA

The news of my mother’s fate had drained every iota of excitement left in me. The demons got her? I wondered what that even meant. From my experience, if those creatures had truly descended on the locale, there would not be any building still standing today. The area would have been desolate if not burned down.

I gazed around while trudging behind the huge Viking as we made our way down the empty streets. The sound of music was growing louder in my ears, and I could hear the sound of laughter and rhymes as well.

“What is happening tonight?” I asked the man.

“Ah,” he slowed down, allowing me to catch up with him. Walking side by side, I could see a bright smile on his face.

“Are you going to answer my question, sir?”

“I was hoping to surprise you.”

“Well, as you can see, I cannot stomach any more surprises.”

“What can I say? You have been away for too long, and many things have changed, especially in recent years. You should be