Machia Veil Timeline

3:30 am, September 9th – Bellatorn Estate, Denewood, Surridge

Cairis and Ethriel lifted Nate and Aria into the cool embrace of the night sky.

Time moved forward and scuffles resumed in the distance between Archs and RayCrests.

Upon arrival in Aunt Matea’s east wing, Ethriel and Cairis reinforced the Markarian code to go unseen. They climbed the spiral stairway in silence until they reached the third-floor landing.

The attic, and the gateway to their salvation. Nate’s pulse raced. Crossing was the only way to escape capture.

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Aria climbed the ladder to the attic portal. Nate hesitated for a moment, his thoughts a whirlwind of uncertainty. “Kenya?” he asked, glancing at Ethriel.

“We will look after her,” Ethriel nodded.

The Gell family cat appeared. Nate smiled as the cat recognised him, brushing against his leg as if to reassure him.

A further five senior RayCrests stepped into the attic, a stark reminder of the weight of their mission.

Nate’s thoughts swirled, torn between timelines.

“The Parallels,” said Cairis, her voice gentle yet insistent, reminded him of his purpose. “We have to act. The Parallels are not strong enough to help us overcome the Archs.”

Swallowing hard, Nate couldn’t fight back the tears that welled inside him. Descending a few steps, he embraced Ethriel in a heartfelt hug.

“Trust,” said Ethriel.

Nate closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then faced his mother, who stretched her hand out to him.

Nate clasped her hand, and they crossed the threshold.

Once over, Aria disappeared.

“Mum! Mum!”