The Eclipsed Bloom

"Oh, my name’s Carl," he finally offered, puffing out his chest a little. "And I’m going to study at Celestia Magic Academy."

Lilith raised a sharp eyebrow, a flicker of genuine intrigue flashing in her eyes.

"Oh? So you’re from the world of Elarion, huh?"

Carl blinked. "Wait... what do you mean from Elarion? Are there... other worlds too?"

Lilith leaned forward slightly, her smile growing ever so sly, like a cat toying with a curious mouse.

"Of course," she said smoothly. "Did you think the Vampire Realm was part of Elarion? Tch. Poor little human, you’ve only scratched the surface of existence."

Carl’s mouth fell open a bit. "So... this is a whole different world?"

Lilith let out a soft fufu laugh, her eyes glinting.

"There are countless realms, boy. Elarion is just one of them. Peoples like you rarely cross the veil between worlds... unless someone or something pulls you through."

Carl suddenly felt a chill crawl up his spine.

"So... I didn’t fall by accident?"