Lewis's head was spinning. Waves of nausea poured over him as his sense of equilibrium spun like a top. He had solid ground beneath his back, but he still felt as if he were falling down an endless hole. His chest hurt—the wind knocked out of him. It felt like an elephant had been sitting on his diaphragm. Trying to focus on the ceiling above didn't help—there was no ceiling, only a shimmering sky that looked like a velvet curtain. There were no stars, only a disorienting swirl of indescribable energy that flowed infinitely overhead.

Mr. Gray stepped up onto Lewis's chest, sending a twinge of pain through his battered ribs. He was smiling down at him. "Well done," said the creature.

"You did it!" exclaimed an even higher pitched voice. A female Parca in a shiny dress that looked reminiscent of a trash bag was standing beside them.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

"He looks kind of scrawny. Are you sure he is adequate?" Another male Parca approached on their other side.

"Quite adequate," said Mr. Gray, still staring down at Lewis with a pleased grin on his face. "Do not let his appearance fool you—he is capable of much." He leaned down close to Lewis's face and whispered just for him: "Forgive me for my ruse. The choice to come here had to be yours and yours alone. You've taken your first step towards your true destiny. Welcome to the Beyond!"