God Complex

Chapter Ten

Lili's eyes flickered open.

Julian was leaned over, only a few inches from her face.

"What are you doing in my face?" Lili grumbled.

Julian didn't crack a smile,"You passed out."

"How long was I out?"

Lili surveyed their surroundings, not waiting for a response,"What the hell are we doing back in Faerieland, Julian?"

Julian sighed,"Real time, I can't tell you, but in Faerieland time, you've been out for two days. I assume that you passed out because your body isn't used to making so many jumps between realms."

Lili sat up, as her stomach grumbled violently,"You didn't answer the question."

None of their companions were present and she couldn't help but wonder if they were dead.

Her heart ached and she felt her eyes burn in anticipation.

"Eat," Julian chastised her, handing her a container with fruits she wasn't familar with,"I'll catch you up to speed."

"Okay," Lili said, between a large mouthful.

She tried to hide her impatience, but she had a feeling Julian could see right through her.

"From what I've been thinking, surprise, surprise, the king set us up. He was forced to comply with Audric's favor, him being a Seelie prince and all, so he spitefully sent us through a tampered portal. I have no idea where the others are. Our comm-chips are fried. My ring that could beam us to another realm is busted. I think that had to do with the portal, itself, though. I remember reading a bit about portals in history class."

"So we are basically screwed," Lili said, still munching on her fruit.

Julian frowned,"Not exactly. We could head to the Seelie Court and ask the Queen to send us home. Or at least you home."

Lili raised an eyebrow,"As if I would subject you to that royal pain in the ass. Is that our only option?"

"Afraid so, Liliana," Julian sighed.

Lili scowled,"Call me Lili, everyone else does."

Julian smiled faintly.

"We can go to the Seelie Court. But you are mad, if you think I'm leaving without you. Especially with that sicko of a Queen."

Julian looked into her eyes and she felt her cheeks grow warm,"I am not going to allow you to barter with the Queen, Lili. Especially, not on my behalf."

"Why?" Lili challenged, "You don't even like me."

Julian smiled, involuntarily,"You think I don't like you?"

"Yes," Lili replied, stubbornly.

Julian shook his head, a smile on his lips,"I like you, Lili. I do. I like you enough not to let you do stupid things on my behalf. I believe you have enough on your plate with being raised as a Tellurian and thrown into the Guardian world because an evil woman murdered your mother."

"I can handle the Seelie Queen."

Julian shook his head,"No, you can't. And even if you could, you don't want to. She always gets what she wants in the end."

"She's sick. I can't let her do that to you. I saw your face when she left, you know," Lili insisted in a whisper.

Julian smiled, but Lili could tell he was fatigued,"It won't be bad, Lili. I won't feel anything until it's over. I thought I hated being a mindless zombie around her, but sometimes ignorance is bliss."