Chapter 16

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"What?!" I say, aware that Zane and I are both staring at him as if he has two heads. "This is the village?"

Langley nods slowly. "Yes…" He looks at us seriously, ignoring our shocked expressions. "Now, you said you came looking for us. So you understand that this village is integrated; non–wizards and wizards? We've never had problems with anyone before. I'd like to keep it that way. Every single wizard was born and raised here, so there's nothing to worry about. In fact, I’m a wizard myself. It's the ones from the outside we need to worry about."

Zane's muscles tense. "Oh, um…"

 "Is that a problem?" presses Langley.

 "I'm not really sure," he admits.

 "You have a problem with wizards, son?"

 Since Zane is distracted, I'm able to get in front of him. "It's not a problem. But there's something you need to know." I point to the blue haired wizard. "Zane's a wizard also. Is that a problem? He's is a good person. He's saved my life in fact. So there's nothing to worry about."

 "We've never had a wizard from the outside," he says thoughtfully, scratching his chin. He looks between us intently. "But the whole point of this place is so we can live peacefully together. So I see no problem."

 I smile up at Zane, who relaxes at the other man's words.

 Langley looks around us. "It seems my daughter, Poppy, is already talking to your friends. That saves me time." I look over my shoulder and see a girl speaking as he said. "I'm sorry you're not getting much of a welcome."

 "We don't mind, really. We don't mind at all." The excitement is setting in. I grab his hand and shake it. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Langley."

 "I didn't get you here," he laughs. "You did. So there's nothing to thank me for. But if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask me or Poppy." I nod some more as he drops my hand and shakes Zane's again.

 As soon as he's done and his back is turned, I start jumping up and down with jubilation, eventually throwing my arms around Zane. "We’re here! We’re here! We’re here, Zane! Can you believe it?"

 "I’m sorry for doubting you."

 "Don’t apologize! I was starting to doubt myself too!"

 But the village leader has one more thing to say. He waves to us over his shoulder. "It was nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Avery! I hope you like it here!"

 "What?! No, we're not–" Zane and I say simultaneously. But he's already too far away to hear us. I let go and take a step away, too embarrassed to look him in the eye.

 Zane lets out a breath that sounds halfway between a groan and a heavy sigh. He tosses me a weak smile, his cheeks flushed a soft red. "So, this is your new home," he says, trying to change the subject after Langley’s parting words.

 "My new home? Where do you think you're going? This is your home, too." I stifle a laugh and start walking away. He quickly catches up. "It's not like you have a choice. You can't leave. You're not allowed to. None of us are."

 "I don't know if that's a good thing."

 "Stop being negative. Everything is going to be so much better now. Life will be easier. Much easier. For us all."

 He stops suddenly making me back track a few steps. Zane's staring at the ground, flicking his wand up and down absentmindedly. "Just for us though." His orange garnet eyes meet mine then go back to the ground. "Not for anyone outside this village."

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