A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps by Kit Bryan
Rule 101- A kiss can convey affection, but it doesn't come with an instruction manual. Use responsibly; may cause heart flutters and irrational decisions.

**ASHTON**

The fae escaped and I couldn't care less right now. All my focus is on Kat. One second we were sharing a moment, I was attempting to express my feelings to her (Badly. Being charmed to understand a language does not make you a master over it!) She finally seemed to be understanding me when everything went wrong. I've failed her. I promised I would keep her safe and now she's dying. Attacked by a fae who only resents her because of the support she provided to me. I plead with her to stay awake. It seems like she is trying to tell me something, but even with my fae hearing, I can't make it out. Her voice is too soft. Her eyes fall closed and I can feel her heartbeat slowing. I curse in fae. Using my magic, I can sense her energy fading, a sure sign that she has only moments to live. When her energy fades entirely her body won't be able to keep her heart beating any longer and she will die. I need help. What she needs is a healer, but there is no way anyone could get here in time. She has minutes, if not seconds. No, I made a promise to her and I intend to keep it. I begin to feed my energy into Kat, more energy than I've ever given up before. Her body is draining it faster than I can give it to her but I keep trying. I will give up every bit of energy I have if that's what it takes. As I force the magic into her body I can feel something inside of me changing, there is a pain in my chest, a sure sign that I should stop. But I have no intention of stopping. I will not let her die. **KAT**

I feel... Disoriented. My head hurts, my entire body aches actually. But other than that I feel... Not bad? Like I don't feel GOOD, but it's more like I've done a super intense workout or something. I feel like my muscles are a little abused and weak, but mostly I just feel like I'm worn out. Still, it's strangely difficult to open my eyes. Actually, I don't even remember going to bed. I was sick, sleeping a lot and... Ashton came to see me. Then we were talking, there was a crash and... Wait. What the hell!? I bolt up right, my eyes flying open finally. I immediately regret sitting up so fast, the world spins and I sway. I might even fall out of bed. I don't though because strong hands catch me and steady me. Ashton's eyes meet mine and he gives me a worried smile.

"How are you feeling?" He asks gently.

"I... I was poisoned. I'm pretty sure I was dying. What happened?" I try to puzzle through it. Ashton helps me to lie back against the pillows then takes my hand, holding it tightly.

"I will explain in a moment, but first, please Kat. How are you feeling?" He repeats his question. I scrunch up my brow as I consider how to answer him.

"I feel... Okay? Kind of worn out. But not bad. I DO have a headache though." I admit. Ashton reaches over to a bedside table where a glass jug of water waits. He pours me a glass and insists I drink it. It's about this moment that I realise I'm not in my room. It doesn't look like I'm in a hospital either. The room is light and airy with large windows and a huge bed that I'm currently resting in. Something about it seems strange though. It's... Quiet. Something is missing. It takes me a minute to figure it out. There is no humm of electricity. A glance around shows me that there are no electric lights anywhere, no power sockets or any other technological thing either. I can't possibly be where I think I am.

"Ashton... What happened to me? Where am I?" I ask nervously. Ashton moves to sit on the edge of my bed so that he can face me properly. He keeps a firm grip on my hand.

"I will tell you in a moment, I just need to be sure... You are okay? Definitely okay?" He asks for the third time.

"Yes, I'm fine, I already told you that. I just-" My words are cut off by Ashton leaning forward and kissing me. This isn't a light peck or a hesitant kiss, this kiss is desperate. I clutch Ashton's shoulders and I can feel the tension draining out of him as he relaxes into the kiss. It slows and eventually turns into something less frantic and more sweet. By the time he pulls back, I'm completely dazed.

"Woah, what was that for?" I ask mindlessly, blinking and waiting for my brain to turn back on.

"Please do not almost die again. I am so sorry that I could not protect you properly. I should have been more careful." He apologises. I roll my eyes then regret the motion because I am still not all that steady.

"It's not YOUR fault that someone attacked me. But can we just... Go back a moment. I don't know how I'm alive. That poison was deadly. Not to mention if I am where I think I am right now, that shouldn't even be possible." I am more than a little confused. Ashton sighs and he looks disturbed. He moves around on the bed and rearranges us so that I'm sitting on his lap and I can comfortably rest my head against his chest. It's comfortable and his closeness helps me to relax. I didn't notice how anxious I really was until I started calming down. No wonder he's so concerned. I take a few deep breaths as I wait for him to answer me.

"You were poisoned. Dying. I could feel your energy fading so I took a chance and gave you as much energy as I could. I managed to keep you alive long enough to bring you to my home where a healer managed to counter the effects of the poison. Apparently it is only deadly because the body cannot stay alive long enough to remove it. I kept you alive so they were able to cure you." He explains. Well that was about as clear as mud. I get that he used his energy sharing magic stuff to keep me going, but how did I end up here?

"I don't understand how I'm here. You told me a human might not survive the trip, we don't have magic." I point out.

"It was a risk. I had no idea if you could survive the travel between realms, but without the healer you would definitely have died, so it seemed worth the risk." He responds. I nod.

"Well... On the bright side, at least you know that humans can make the trip?" I try to be optimistic.

"I actually do not think that is the case. You need magic to travel between realms, at the time... You were full of magic. My magic was all that was keeping you alive. It was enough to get you here safely." He explains. "Oh... I guess that makes sense. But wait... Does that mean I won't be able to get home again?" I ask, a little horrified.

"It should not be a problem. My magic will allow you to return home when the time comes. But first you need to rest and recover. You have been unconscious for two days. You might be feeling better, but you are far from completely recovered." He insists. I push away from him and stare in shock.

"TWO DAYS?"