———Red———

I push myself up from the concrete, every movement sending a sharp jolt of pain through my body. My busted lip drips blood onto the ground, and the ringing in my ears drowns out everything for a moment. Blinking hard, I look up. A cloud of smoke hangs in the air between me and Kylen, and through it, two figures emerge, their silhouettes sharpening with each step.

"You two, stop right there!" Kylen commands, shoving through the smoke, his sword raised and gleaming.

One of the boys, dressed in all black, throws up his hands. "Whoa, whoa, pause! We can talk about this!" His voice wavers, but there's an edge of urgency.

"Then start talking," Kylen snaps, his tone razor-sharp. "Who are you, and why are you working with Spectra?"

I stagger toward them, flames igniting in my palm as my anger flares. My voice comes out rough, heated. "And why the hell did you throw me halfway across the lot?"

The boy in black raises a hand in a placating gesture. "Okay, okay, first off—name's Keegan. Spectra approached me. She asked for help, didn't say why. Next thing I know, I'm stopping a bunch of goons from stealing shipments. That's it. But she kept coming back, and... well, I still don't know her full game." He glances nervously at Kylen. "Second, we thought you were some of those goons, coming back for revenge. But now that I see you..." He points at Kylen. "You're him. Kylen Smith."

Kylen lowers his sword, the blade dissolving into shimmering energy before he tucks the hilt away. His eyes flick to me, then back to the boys.

"You're coming with us," he says firmly. "You'll tell us everything—every last detail—and then we'll hand you over to the police."

"Wait, Kylen," I say, my voice cutting through his. I point at the other boy, the one who hasn't spoken yet. He's gripping his head, his hands glowing faintly blue, his face twisted in pain.

"Dylan!" Keegan rushes to his side, panic flashing across his face. "Hey, don't freak out, or you're going to—" He turns back to us, desperation thick in his voice. "You've got to help him! His powers—they've been going haywire. He's trying to control them, but it's like... like it's too much for his mind to handle!"

The glow in Dylan's hands intensifies, flickering like unstable lightning. I exchange a tense look with Kylen, both of us knowing the danger of uncontrolled power.

Kylen thrusts his hands forward, a shimmering white barrier of energy forming between him and Dylan. "Keegan, right? Step away from him. Now."

Keegan hesitates, his eyes darting between Dylan and the glowing shield. "What are you gonna—"

"Back up!" Kylen's voice sharpens, cutting through the tension as Dylan's glowing hands flare brighter and brighter, the light almost blinding.

Keegan stumbles backward, then sprints toward me as Kylen's barrier envelops Dylan completely.

Dylan lets out a muffled cry as the energy around him surges, his body lifting off the ground before slamming back down into the concrete with a deafening crash.

The glow fades, leaving a sharp silence in its wake.

We all rush to his side, fear twisting in my gut as I kneel beside him.

Kylen crouches, pressing two fingers against Dylan's neck, his expression grim. "He's alive, but he's not stable." His eyes meet mine, urgent and unyielding. "We need to get him to Claire. Now."

"I'll get the car!" I shout, already sprinting toward the docks.

"Where's it parked?" Keegan calls after me.

Kylen hefts Dylan over his shoulder with ease. "About a block or two that way, near the docks."

Before I can take another step, Keegan stretches out his hands. A swirling purple portal crackles to life in front of us, the glow matching his now-shining eyes. "Here—just go through," he grunts, his voice strained as he holds the portal open.

Kylen doesn't hesitate, stepping through with Dylan, and I follow close behind.

In an instant, we're next to the car.

I leap into the driver's seat, slamming the door behind me as the others pile in. The tension is suffocating as Kylen carefully lays Dylan in the back, his breathing shallow but steady.

With a deep breath, I start the engine and glance in the rearview mirror. "This is gonna be the longest drive of my life."

The tires screech as we head out, racing toward Indianapolis.

———Alyse———

"Thanks so much for the tour, Claire. This place is incredible. Honestly, it's wild to think you guys actually live here."

Claire smiles as we step out of the elevator and into the sleek, sunlit penthouse.

"Oh, it was my pleasure," she says warmly, settling onto the couch beside me. "It was great to finally meet you. After all these years of Kylen talking about you, it feels like I already know you."

I sit down next to her, relaxing for the first time all day. "I hope he didn't say anything too embarrassing. Honestly, it was nice hanging out with you too. It's been a while since I've had... well, a friend."

Her expression softens as she leans back, tucking her legs under her. "Tell me about it. Making friends here has been nearly impossible. After Kylen and I made it through the labyrinth—when Muthos..." Her voice falters, but she clears her throat and continues. "When Muthos took everyone else, I wasn't sure I could even handle making friends again. Losing people like that? It's just... a lot."

I nod slowly, her words striking a familiar chord. "I get it. My last friend—my only real friend, I guess—was Brenelor Stormcrown. And Muthos... took her too, right before we left Naurus."

Claire's eyes widen slightly, and then she nods. "So, your first and only friend was the Empress herself? Talk about high standards."

I chuckle softly. "Yeah, I guess I'm a little picky. But hey, you should feel honored—looks like you've officially joined the elite ranks."

She laughs, her eyes lighting up for the first time. "Oh, trust me, I'm honored. I'll wear the title with pride."

We sit there for a moment, the room quiet except for the faint hum of the city outside. Claire taps her fingers against her knee, her gaze turning thoughtful.

"Do you ever wonder," she says softly, "what it would've been like if... things had gone differently? If Muthos hadn't—" She stops herself, biting her lip as if the thought is too dangerous to finish.

"All the time," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "Brenelor would've been incredible on Earth. She was fearless, you know? She could walk into any room and command it without even trying. I can't help but think about what she would've done here, how much she could've changed."

Claire nods, her expression distant. "Same with my team. We had plans, you know? Big, stupid plans. We thought we were untouchable. Then Muthos reminded us just how small we really were."

She shakes her head, and I can tell she's trying to push the memories away. I don't blame her.

"I guess," she continues, "that's why I threw myself into this. Working with Kylen, building something new—it's the only way I've been able to move forward. It's like... if I keep going, maybe I can make what happened mean something."

Her words hang in the air, heavy and raw.

"I know what you mean," I say after a pause. "I've been trying to figure out what my life even looks like now. Naurus is gone, Brenelor is gone, and... I don't know. Some days it feels like there's nothing left to fight for."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Claire's eyes meet mine, steady and resolute. "There is. You've got Kylen. You've got me now too. And, most importantly, you've got yourself."

I let her words sink in, feeling a flicker of something I can't quite name—hope, maybe?

"Thanks, Claire," I say.

"Anytime," she replies with a smile, her voice lighter now. "Besides, what are friends for?"

I can't help but grin. "Oh, so we're officially friends now? Should we make it a thing? Friendship bracelets, maybe?"

She laughs, shoving me playfully. "Don't push your luck, royalty."

For the first time in what feels like forever, the weight on my chest feels just a little bit lighter.

The elevator dings, and out steps Red and Kylen. Kylen is carrying someone over his shoulder, and another boy trails behind them. Kylen's face is pale, his breathing ragged as he yells, "Claire! We need your help!"

Claire jumps up from the couch, rushing toward them as Kylen lays the unconscious boy on the table in front of us.

"What happened?" she asks, her voice steady but her hands trembling slightly as they begin to glow, radiating a golden hue. She hovers them over the boy, scanning him as she works to stabilize him.

"He's got powers," Red explains, his words tumbling out in a panic. "He's been struggling to control them, and something—something just went wrong. He hurt himself."

Claire nods, her glow intensifying as it spreads across the boy's chest. "Okay, everyone back up. Give me space to work."

The room falls into a tense silence, save for Claire's muttered incantations and the hum of her healing energy. Red, Kylen, and the other boy retreat into the kitchen, and I follow, still processing the chaos.

"Who is that?" I ask, glancing at the unconscious figure on the table. "And did you say he has powers?"

The boy with them nods, his gaze heavy with worry. "His name's Dylan. He's my best friend."

His eyes meet mine and linger for a moment, taking me in. He's wearing a leather jacket over a dark red shirt, a silver necklace catching the light around his neck. A bronze ring gleams on his right hand, and his dark brown curls frame piercing blue eyes. He's... kind of cute.

He steps forward and extends a hand. "Keegan Blackwell. And you are?"

I take his hand, shaking it lightly. "Alyse... Smith."

He tilts his head, eyebrows raising slightly. "Smith? How many of you are there?"

"What do you mean?" Kylen cuts in, his tone cautious.

Keegan steps back slightly, looking genuinely puzzled. "What do I mean?" He stares at Kylen like the answer should be obvious. "There's no mention of any of you besides Kylen in the last few years. And even that's sketchy. Kylen doesn't have a birth certificate, no records, nothing. There's absolutely no trace of any of your existences. It's like you all just appeared out of thin air."

He folds his arms, a glint of curiosity—and suspicion—flashing in his eyes. "So who are you guys, really?"

"Listen here, Voidwalker," Kylen snaps, his voice sharp. "You should be grateful we're even helping you instead of turning you both over to the police for stealing from my—our—company."

Keegan's face flushes. "It's Voidstrider!" he shouts.

Kylen glares at him, his face reddening. "Same difference."

Before the argument can escalate, Claire storms back into the room, her expression dark with frustration. "Enough! All of you, shut up!" Her voice cuts through the tension like a knife. "That boy in there is barely holding on. It took everything I had just to pull him back. His mind—his body—it's like they're tearing themselves apart from whatever his powers are doing to him."

Keegan swallows hard and nods, his anger fading into concern. "I figured as much. Dylan can see the future. But when it happens, it's... bad. He gets these intense migraines, his nose bleeds like crazy, and his hands glow blue. Oh, and sometimes it's like he's manipulating gravity when it happens."

Claire's lips press into a thin line. "That tracks," she says, rubbing her temples. "It's possible his mind is begging ripped back and forth. I can only imagine how painful it must be—to see the future, then feel your mind snap back to the present."

Red, standing near the counter, looks over at Kylen. "Well, as much as you'd love to hand him over to the police, Kylen, we can't."

"And why is that?" Kylen retorts.

"Because he's Eluna's son," Red replies, his tone resolute.

Kylen's face twists in disbelief. "How do you know that?"

Red crosses his arms. "Think about it. Eluna's the goddess of space and time. Dylan can see the future, and he manipulates gravity. That screams Eluna."

Keegan's head snaps up, eyes narrowing in confusion.

"Maybe, so then Keegan is Arkane's son then, he uses void magic?" Kylen asks.

I turn to Keegan. "Did you and Dylan get to Earth through the portal too?"

Keegan's face pales as his hands begin to tremble. "Okay, pause. What the hell are you people talking about? Gods? Goddesses? Portals? 'Get to Earth'? What, are you all aliens or something? What the fuck is going on? Am I drunk?"

Red glances at Kylen, who looks equally unsettled. "Wait—he doesn't know about Naurus?" Red asks, his tone incredulous.

"They were born here," Claire interjects, her brow furrowed in confusion. "On Earth. How is that even possible?"

Keegan's voice breaks as he yells, "Okay, stop! Someone start answering my questions right fucking now! What the hell is happening? What are you people talking about?"

The room falls silent, the weight of the truth hovering in the air like a storm about to break.

"What are you guys yelling about?" a voice calls from the living room.

We turn to see Dylan sitting up on the couch, rubbing his temples like he's shaking off a hangover.

"Dylan!" Keegan rushes to his side. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Dylan grumbles, scanning the room. "Where the hell are we?"

"Smith Inc.," Keegan says, sitting next to him. "You got hurt, and we had to bring you here."

Dylan sighs, running a hand through his messy hair. "These damn powers are going to kill me."

As he mutters, the rest of us step into the room. Dylan's eyes lock onto mine, and his face flushes. He leans toward Keegan and whispers something, making Keegan smirk.

"You almost died, and you're already thinking about—" Keegan starts but I stop listening when Kylen taps me on the shoulder.

I turn, and he and Red are standing close, their expressions serious.

"We need to figure this out now," Red says in a low voice. "We can't just let them leave. Clearly, we crossed paths with them for a reason."

I nod. "That kid's going to die if we don't help him learn to control his powers."

Kylen lets out a frustrated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "As much as I hate to admit it, you're both right. We could teach him how to control his gifts. And honestly... their abilities might help us fix the portal. Gravity, space, teleportation—it's all connected."

Red nods in agreement. "Exactly. Plus, we have no idea what kind of Daem might be lurking here on Earth. If we made it through, who's to say they haven't?"

"So what's the plan?" I ask.

Before Kylen can answer, Dylan suddenly pops his head between us. "What are you guys scheming about over here?"

I jump back, startled, as Dylan laughs at my reaction.

"Sorry, sorry," he says, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Keegan said you guys were acting weird, talking about shit like you're all on drugs or something."

"What were you whispering about?" Keegan asks, stepping closer, his arms crossed.

Kylen sighs heavily, glancing at Red and me. "It's a long story," he says, motioning toward the couch. "So you might as well make yourselves comfortable."

"I don't think we have time for a cozy story session right now," Claire says, her voice sharp with urgency as she stares at the tablet in her hand.

"Why not?" I ask, my stomach knotting at her tone.

She flips the screen around, showing us a live feed. "The bridge. It's activating."

She flips the tablet around. "The bridge, it's activating."

"What?" Red steps closer, his eyes narrowing. "How is that even possible, it's fucking broken is it not?"

"Not on the other side. Come on, all of you into the elevator right now," Kylen commands, already heading toward it. "We're taking the helicopter!"

"Man, I was really looking forward to a lore dump," Dylan mutters, dragging his feet as he and Keegan follow.

Keegan smirks.

The elevator ride is a tense, silent descent, save for the faint hum of the machinery. Dylan leans against the wall, his face pale as if all the high energy he's had since waking up is finally catching up to him. Keegan studies everyone with narrowed eyes, like he's trying to piece together a puzzle none of us have explained yet.

"Someone's gotta fill us in," Keegan finally says, breaking the silence. "You're throwing around words like 'bridge' and 'portal.' Are we talking sci-fi stuff or magic stuff? Because I've got no clue what I just signed up for."

"Both," I reply flatly, not taking my eyes off the floor numbers ticking down.

Red glances at Kylen. "You should tell them. They're in this now, whether we like it or not."

Kylen exhales through his nose, visibly annoyed. "Fine. Here's the short version: we're not from this world. The bridge connects our world to yours. If it activates, it could mean someone—or something—from our side is trying to come through. And trust me, if it's from our world, it's not a good thing."

Keegan blinks, absorbing the explanation. "Right. Magic portal to another world. Got it. Why does it feel like this is about to turn into a nightmare?"

"Because it probably is," Red mutters.

The elevator dings, and the doors slide open to reveal a private rooftop hangar. The helicopter waits, its blades already spinning. Claire wastes no time rushing forward, taking the copilot seat.

Kylen motions for us to follow, his voice cutting through the wind. "We don't know who's trying to open the bridge, but if it's what I think it is, we need to stop it now."

"And what if it's not what you think?" Dylan asks, raising his voice to be heard over the noise.

"Then we'll find out," Kylen snaps.

We pile into the helicopter, the interior cramped but functional. As the pilot lifts off, the cityscape of Indianapolis shrinks below us.

Keegan leans toward me, his expression a mix of curiosity and unease. "So... what happens if you don't stop it?"

I glance at him, my voice low. "If we don't stop it? Then you'll get your answer about nightmares. The hard way."

"You sure you still want her number?" Keegan leans over and whispers to Dylan, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Dylan nods without hesitation. "Are you kidding? Absolutely."

Curiosity gets the better of me, and I lean in. "What's a number?"

Both of them freeze, their heads snapping toward me in unison. For a moment, there's just silence, and then Keegan snorts. Dylan tries to keep a straight face, but it crumbles almost immediately as they both dissolve into quiet laughter.

"What's so funny?" I frown, genuinely confused.

Keegan waves a hand, trying to catch his breath. "Oh man, it's nothing—just... wow. You really don't know, do you?"

Dylan grins. "I think I'm falling in love all over again."

I roll my eyes. "Great. Glad you're entertained."