They emerged from the underground path into the human city. It was just as crowded as the elven kingdom, but it was different. It was dirtier and more washed out. Rain poured overhead, and she would hear the calls of the townspeople, asking for customers, help, or warmth. In the distance, there was a magnificent castle, looming over the rest of the city.
He led her through the cramped alleyways, the hood pulled over his head as well. He reached out occasionally and pulled her gently towards him. As he did this, she would see hands narrowly missing her cloak retreat into the shadows. The castle in the distance grew in size until they were standing in front of the main doors. Ben slipped off his hood and the guards opened the doors for them.
"This is where I live," he replied, shrugging off his cloak and folding it over his arm. In the place where his wings would be, she would see two wing stubs, the edge hacked and jagged.
He looked over at her, his grey eyes narrowed in confusion. "Why... do I live here? I guess I just do. Why do you live in the woods?"
She crossed her arms at him. "Because I can't afford to live closer to the city. This is a castle. There's kind of a difference."
