Page 59 of What Lies Beyond the Realms

And then I see Luke. I see his piercing light-blue eyes staring back at me, full of terror, and my breath hitches in my throat as I watch the life drain from his eyes once more. The emotions are too much, and I feel the warm sensation in my chest grow. I close my eyes, focusing on the sensation, and let the wind start to stir around me. The sweet smell of honeysuckle tickles my nose, and I realize that it's my scent, my magic. The gusts of wind toss strands of my hair as I stand in the eye of the storm. I can feel the earth darken around me, and I realize that I am channeling.

My eyes remain closed, but I know the world has gone even darker. When I open my eyes, a rush of warm honeyed wind drops it all, and the soft sunset light stings my eyes. I look down at my feet then over at Flora and Chepi, who are both standing up and watching me intently. I can feel the sweat beading on my forehead, and I let out a shuddering breath.

“It didn't work,” I say, feeling slightly defeated.

Flora approaches me with a smile. “Lyra, that was incredible. You did it! You channeled your magic. We felt it. You may not have actually moved, but I could smell your magic, your essence. The earth darkened around you, and the wind picked up. You'll be a natural in no time with some practice. You should be proud of yourself.” Chepi barks in agreement, and I can't help but feel a sense of pride wash over me.

“Thanks. I think I’m ready to go inside now,” I say, starting to walk back toward the manor. I don’t know if I can channel if I have to relive some of my darkest memories every time I want to. We walk back in silence, and I stop in the lounge, dropping down on the couch. Chepi curls up next to me, and Flora heads into the kitchen to open a bottle of wine, bringing me a glass. Nyx and Bim appear in the sitting room with bags in tow.

“Perfect timing, boys. Wine?”

“Yes, please,” Bim says, and Nyx comes over to sit next to me on the couch.

“I missed you,” he says, pulling me in for a kiss.

“It was only two hours, my gods,” Bim says, grabbing his wine and downing half the glass.

“We missed you too, Bim,” I say, smiling at him.

“I bet you did.” He gives me a wink and a wicked smirk.

I just laugh, leaning into Nyx and handing him my glass to have a drink.

“We must leave first thing in the morning right before the sun comes up. Only about seven hours from now,” Nyx tells me while tucking my hair behind my ear.

“I’d like to go to bed then, if that’s okay? I’m exhausted, and I want to be ready for tomorrow.” I stand up from the couch.

“Yes, of course. I need to talk to Bim and Flora for a few minutes, but I’ll join you shortly. Our room is the last room on the left.”

“Goodnight.” I wave to Bim and Flora.

“Goodnight, darling,” Flora says.

“Yeah, goodnight darling,” Bim mimics her yelling down the hall, and I laugh.

Once in the bedroom I take off my clothes, wash my face, and climb into bed. I sink into the pillows, snuggling Chepi and falling asleep before Onyx can join me.

* * *

“It’s time to wake up, my little Pixie.” I hear the words and jolt awake.

“What did you say?”

Nyx stands over me. “I said it’s time to wake up, Lyra.”

I swear I heard him say “my little Pixie.” Only it didn’t sound like him exactly. I swear I heard my father’s voice. It sends a chill through me. I must’ve been partly dreaming when Nyx tried to wake me. I brush off the feeling and stretch before sitting up. It’s still dark outside, and when Nyx turns the lights on I have to cover my face for a moment.

“It’s so bright,” I say, collecting myself. “What time did you come to bed last night?” I slide out of bed and wash up in the bathroom.

“I didn’t. I had a lot to do, and I can work well off little sleep.”

“Oh . . . Okay, well what should I wear today for the flight?” I try to tame my hair into a braid.

“Just make sure you wear pants to protect your legs and something warm. We need to leave in ten minutes. I’ll leave you to get ready. Come to the kitchen when you’re done.” He kisses me on the top of my head and leaves.

As I dress, my mind continues to spiral, weighed down by the heavy burden of my worries. The dream about Luke still lingers in my mind, haunting me with the memory of his sharp blue eyes. And then the sound of my father's voice echoes in my head, taunting me with the possibility that I might be losing my mind. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the unease in my chest remains.

The thought of seeing Aidan again only intensifies my anxiety. I'm scared of the emotions that will resurface and the memories that will flood back. Is going back to Cloudrum the right decision? I ask myself, uncertain of what the future holds. The tightness in my chest persists, a reminder of the weight of my choices.