Before Penelope could ask Luca what he meant, the wall in front of them sank back, forming a dark tunnel. “What is going on?”
“Humans?” A tall man walked towards them, stopping at the entrance of the dark tunnel. “You would bring humans into our home?” He faced Luca.
“Would you deny me entrance to the home of the jinni? Where all jinn are meant to be welcome.”
The man gestured to Luca’s companions. “These are not jinni. Humans are never welcome.”
“They are my companions,” Luca said.
“They are less than nothing.” The guard’s tone was filled with contempt. “They would control all of us if we allowed it.” His lips curved into a mirthless smile and his eyes glittered with malice. “I have shown them the error of their ways thousands of times and I am sure it will be necessary to do so a t
