A Zoologist’s Guide to Surviving Magical Creatures

As Eva prepped her Arion for the journey, the sleek, midnight-colored horse gave me a side-eye—yes, a literal side-eye. Arions were intelligent, sure, but this one radiated the energy of someone who had seen too much and was already tired of my nonsense.

"Is it true that your horse can talk?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Eva grinned. "Not just my horse—all Arions can. Isn't that right, Dash?" She glanced at her steed with a knowing smirk.

Dash, the Arion in question, flicked his ears back and let out a dramatic sigh. "Speak? Oh, please. We're fluent in more languages than most beings can count. But sure, let's reduce it to just 'talking.'"

I blinked in surprise. "Wow, you really do speak!"

Dash gave me a flat look. "What, did you think Eva was making it up for fun?"

"Well, I mean…" I scratched the back of my head. "I thought maybe it was one of those 'only the owner can hear them' kind of things. Like a secret telepathic bond or something."

Dash let out a long-suffering sigh. "Do I look like some sentimental house pet? Arions are polyglots. We speak multiple languages fluently—including the language of sarcasm, which, judging by your expression, you're just now learning to recognize."

I blinked. "Oh. Uh—my bad?"

Eva chuckled. "Don't take it personally. Dash enjoys flexing his vocabulary whenever he can."

Dash flicked his tail proudly. "Of course. A refined equine such as myself must maintain a certain standard."

I smirked. "Right. And yet you still respond to the name 'Dash' like some common stable pony."

He narrowed his eyes. "I allow it because Eva's earned my respect. You, however, are on probation."

Eva patted his neck. "Be nice, Dash. He's about to have a very long day."

The horse huffed but didn't argue. I had a feeling that was as close to an acceptance as I was going to get.

Eva chuckled. "Yeah, he's a bit of a show-off."

Dash tossed his mane. "I prefer the term sophisticated."

Dash huffed again, turning his sharp gaze toward me. "And you. You don't even know the layout of the Between Realms, do you?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Uh… no?"

"Figures. Alright, listen up, two-leg. Let me break it down for your mortal brain about the place we're going so you don't cause any trouble," the Arion named Dash spoke in perfect, unaccented English.

His voice had the smooth confidence of someone who could sell you a luxury timeshare even if you were broke.

"The Between Realms isn't just some realm or one big fancy city—it has levels. It's structured like a massive, multi-level estate." He let out a long, suffering sigh.

Eva smirked. "He loves explaining things. Just let him have this."

Dash ignored her and continued. "Where you went before—the Ziggurat? That's in the Foot, the remote outskirts of the Between Realms. It's practically the middle of nowhere, wedged right between the borders of other realms. Not exactly prime real estate."

I frowned. "Then why put a bookstore there?"

Dash flicked his tail. "Something about knowledge being best appreciated in solitude. Like a library where you have to be quiet so others can read in peace. The higher-ups think it's poetic. I think it's inconvenient."

Eva hummed thoughtfully. "You know, it's actually kind of poetic. Knowledge, hidden away in solitude, while wealth sits high above everything else, shining for the world to see."

Arion huffed. "Poetic or not, that's just how the world works."

"Then, you've got the Middle, where trade hubs and casual travelers pass through. And then there's the Peak, where the rich and powerful lounge around in their shimmering towers, drinking aged ambrosia and pretending they're more important than they actually are."

I blinked. "You sound… weirdly knowledgeable about all this."

Dash tossed his mane dramatically. "Polyglot horse, remember? I don't just speak languages—I pick up information. You'd be surprised what people say when they think their ride isn't listening."

Eva patted Dash's side with a small chuckle. "He used to work as a transport for one of the Fae couriers. Knows all the ins and outs of the Between Realms."

"Well, that explains the attitude," I muttered.

Dash snorted. "Attitude? No, no, this is just how it is. And the Tündér Faes—that's the Peak."

"The Peak?" I repeated.

Dash nodded sagely. "Think of it like the penthouse suite of the Between Realms. It's where the wealthiest, most powerful beings reside. Not just in terms of magic, but wealth too. The Tündér Faes? Some of the richest creatures in existence."

Eva cut in, rolling her eyes. "And they know it. Believe me, dealing with them is a nightmare. Everything they own is ridiculously expensive, and they love reminding everyone how exclusive their stuff is."

"Great," I groaned. "So not only am I running a delivery gig for the first time, but I'm also delivering to a bunch of elitist faes who overcharge for wine?"

"Correct."

"Fantastic."

Dash snorted. "Overcharging is an understatement. The Tündér Spirit Wine is so rare it's basically liquid gold. If you're lucky, they'll let you buy a bottle. If you're unlucky—"

"They'll make you earn it," Eva finished grimly.

I sighed. "Alright, fine. Let's just get this over with."

Dash flicked his mane. "The Peak isn't just higher—it's got a different time flow too. Try not to freak out when things start looking weird."

"Define weird?" I asked suspiciously.

Dash smirked—again, yes, an actual smirk. "Buckle up, two-leg. You're about to witness real luxury."

"Oh no, will it absolutely shatter my perception of wealth and grandeur?" I deadpanned.

Dash didn't bother dignifying me with a response. Instead, he kicked off the ground—and in an instant, the world around us blurred into a shimmering cascade of colors.

The next thing I knew, we were soaring through a rippling expanse of shimmering light, like we had just galloped straight into a warp tunnel. The air around us buzzed with a strange, electric energy, making my skin tingle.

I barely had time to process the sensation before the world snapped back into focus—and my jaw nearly hit the floor.

The Peak of the Between Realms unfolded before me in all its extravagant, borderline ridiculous glory.

Towering mansions that put royal palaces to shame perched atop rolling emerald hills, their gilded rooftops reflecting the soft golden glow of an eternal twilight sky.

Floating bridges woven from pure stardust connected different estates, materializing and vanishing at will, like some magical red carpet rolling out for its esteemed guests.

The streets were paved with obsidian and veined with liquid gold, pulsing faintly beneath the hooves of passing Arions and other mystical creatures.

I exhaled. Slowly. Carefully.

Dash cast me a knowing look. "Well? Is your mind sufficiently blown?"

I stared, speechless.

Eva laughed. "I'd say that's a yes. Welcome to the Peak."