With all the formalities out of the way, it was revealed that the young man, also known as Asariel, was actually the lord of the entire place. In other words, he was the highest ranking authority in the city of Esterrosa.

  As if his gallantry and ‘handsome’ face weren’t enough.

  The old man turned out to be more of a counselor to Asariel and also the city’s Grand Warden, not that Jake knew what that role actually fulfilled. His name was Gellius.

  “So, let me in on why I’m here again,” Jake said.

  “I believe it is us that should be informed about your business in Esterrosa,” Asariel replied. “Tell me, what is it that someone with such magical prowess as you seek?”

  “Magical prowess? You’re kidding, right? Unless laziness can be considered a magical trait, I promise I have nothing of that sort.”

  Asariel looked at him with disappointment. It was obvious he didn’t believe a word Jake had said. “Why conceal it? Anyone with at least a miniature drop of sensory magic would be able to tell you have enough aura to endanger this land. Who sent you, and what are you after?”

  “Listen, I told you already! I have no magical powers, no one sent me, and I’m after nothing. What does this place even have to offer, goddammit?! If I was looking for a pile of trash, I would’ve-”

  His words were cut off by the sudden smack of Gellius’ cane against his cheeks. “Curb your ego, you foul pig. You are in no position to speak of Esterrosa in that manner.”

  “I’ll pay you back for that one, you bastard,” Jake said as he spat the blood out of his mouth.

  Seeing the confrontation, Asariel got in between the two. “Gellius, I am sure our guest meant no harm to Esterrosa. He is understandably shaken by the circumstances he has found himself in.” He then turned to Jake, “And you, sir… uh-“

  “Jake, just Jake.”

  “Jake? What a bizarre name. Anyway, Sir Jake, you must understand that Grand Warden Gellius has the underlying task of defending this city from danger, and until proven innocent, you are a danger.”

  Jake dropped his head down, drops of blood still dripping from his mouth. “So that’s how it’s gonna be, huh?”

  It was the same as before. His mere presence was a bother. It didn’t matter what he said or did, he would always be on the losing end.

  New world, but same crap. It’s always going to be this way, isn’t it?

  “Gellius,” Asariel said as a response to the sudden silence. “Why don’t you wait for me outside?” Gellius grumbled, visibly annoyed, but made his way to the door.

  Once he was out, Asariel sat on the floor and addressed Jake, “It would be far beneath me to persecute a man with no viable reason.” There was a brief pause. “We’ll restart from zero. You have my full, devoted attention. Who are you and where are you from?” His eyes held mere curiosity.

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  At that moment, Asariel had given Jake something special. Something Jake felt was missing; a chance—a chance to start over— a chance to escape his fate.

  Jake had spent his whole life being dismissed, overlooked, and unwanted. But here, in this strange world, the most powerful man in Esterrosa was waiting for his story.

  Jake smiled. “So where do I start? My name is…”

  ***

  “JAKE!” Lynn was over his unconscious body, carefully shaking him for any signs of life. “Please, Jake.” His head bled profusely. Her phone was dead, and the nearest hospital was miles away. It took everything she had not to panic at the sight of blood. “Hang in there, I’ll get you some help, I promise.” Before she had the chance to get up, Jake grabbed her arm; his first sign of life.

  “W—where am I?” His articulation was off, she could tell he was feeling dizzy.

  “You’re in your apartment. We have to treat your injuries,” she said. “Stay still, I’ll be back.” But he wouldn’t let go of her.

  “Apartment?” There was a hint of confusion in his voice. “This can not be h—happening. I— must—”

  “Calm down, Jake. You’re losing a lot of blood, we need to find you help.”

  “I do not go by that name. My name…” His voice was fading away. “My name is—Thesius.” His hand slipped off of her arm as he entered another state of unconsciousness.

  ***

  “Wait, so you mean to tell me you have a version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in this world too?” Jake asked in disbelief.

  “Such unusual names!” Asariel laughed, “Do you perhaps mean Innok and Ateia? It’s a staple in the land.”

  Jake was baffled by the parallelism of the two worlds. Never had he been so intrigued in literature. It didn’t take long for them to stray off the topic of his life and into culture. He didn’t blame him, after all, even watching paint dry must’ve been more interesting than his life achievements.

  “Wow, so it turns out this place isn’t that much different from mine.” Jake said.

  “I’d beg to differ. We may but dream of soaring unto one of our moons. I envy your world.”

  “Trust me, there isn’t much to envy over there. It’s just a horrible place.”

  Asariel leaned back on his hand, “I don’t believe that to be the case. It must have been a wondrous realm, where humans from all corners, with their collective wisdom, accomplished deeds of grandeur. From what you’ve told me, the geniuses of your world have already made such incredible advancements in technology.”

  “In a way, I think magic is a much greater achievement than those 4 wheelie things we call cars.” Jake and Asariel shared a laugh. It was so unusual of him, yet he couldn’t hold it in. It was almost as if he could call this man his friend.

  They had gotten so deep into the conversation that Jake had forgotten about his pain until a wincing chill chiseled his back. His face performed a terrible job at hiding it from Asariel.

  “Well Jake, it’s only fair that I release you.” Asariel stood up and crouched beside Jake. “Oh, and beware, it’ll sting.” At first, Jake didn’t quite understand what he meant by that, but once Asariel engulfed his own hand in a ball of fire, probably using some sort of magic, things started to make sense.

  “Woah, you’re not gonna—”

  “Unfortunately, this is the only way to set you free.” As he spoke, an enormous column of fire formed. Without hesitation, Asariel went on to effortlessly disintegrate Jake’s hand as an excruciating cry resonated throughout the cell. The flames spiraled across his arm. Jake flailed around and, although futile, begged Asariel to stop. He could only watch in horror as the black charcoal that was once his hand melted right off the bone of his right arm. Once he had nothing left to call his right hand, the flames were extinguished, almost as if it had never been there in the first place. The undeniable pain hadn’t left him though, in fact, it was far worse. His right arm was finally free from its chain, but at what cost?

  Jake thought the worst had passed but Asariel had just gotten started, “Onto the next one,” he said.