(Our Realm)
The summer days passed swiftly, just like the beginning of tenth grade. Nothing of great significance occurred during this time, except for Chris diligently honing her magical and defensive skills. Her focus was on strengthening her mental barriers, ensuring that her thoughts remained impenetrable to others. Meanwhile, Zepher had found himself in a relationship with Sara, the girl from his previous year's English class, and Corie had ended her summer romance with Brolly. Our group welcomed a new member named Russell, whom I had met at the pool and discovered we attended the same school. Despite the changes, the group continued to gather during lunch breaks and spend their weekends together. However, as the school year approached its end, an ominous turn of events loomed on the horizon.
Alethia made her way through the deserted hallways, passing empty classrooms and lockers. Although she was supposed to meet the others for lunch, she decided to stop by the library first. As she walked past a group of murmuring students near their lockers.Depositing her books into the return slot, she headed towards the library exit.
Almost reaching the group, Alethia was abruptly halted by one of them, who positioned himself directly in her path. She paused, observing as they encircled her.
"What is the meaning of this? Excuse me, please," she politely inquired.
The older boy before her smirked, crossing his arms arrogantly. "And what will you do if we don't cast a spell?" he taunted.
Alethia furrowed her brow, attempting to maintain her composure despite her confusion. "What on earth are you talking about?" she asked, struggling to comprehend.
He glanced at his followers with a sense of superiority. "They call me Slade. We," he gestured towards his comrades, "are the White Doves. We possess knowledge about the Chosen and the other realms, and it is our duty to prevent the Chosen from bringing ruin upon this world. And our boss says we need to keep an eye on you."
Taking a step back, Alethia regarded him warily. "I truly have no idea what you're talking about. Is this some sort of play or performance? I apologize if I stumbled upon your rehearsal. I'll be on my way now." She attempted to push through the circle, but Slade was faster, grabbing hold of her and pinning her against the lockers.
"You won't be going anywhere, sweetheart. I want answers. I know you associate with one of the guides; we have been observing him for quite some time. Tell me, what do you know about Chris Johnson?" Slade demanded, tightening his grip on Alethia's arms.
Struggling to break free, Alethia pleaded, "I have no knowledge of what you're referring to. Please, let me go."
Slade drew closer, his breath reeking of malice, his eyes gleaming with hatred. "You will divulge what I seek to know, or you will regret it," he threatened.
A low growl resonated from beyond the circle. "Release her now, or you will be the one to suffer," a voice warned.
Slade reluctantly released his hold on Alethia but kept his grip on her arms, squeezing tighter as he shifted his attention towards the voice outside the circle. "We were merely conversing; this doesn't concern you," he retorted.
Russell forcefully entered the circle, his gaze fixed upon Slade. "I said, let her go!" he commanded, his voice resonating with a deep intensity as he clenched his fists at his sides.
Slade hesitated, stealing one last glance at Alethia before relinquishing his grip. Her shirt bore the marks of his nails digging into her skin.”B, isn’t going to be happy.” Pointing down the hall, he began to walk away, his followers trailing behind him.
Russell stood beside her, enveloping her in his arms. "Are you alright? Who were those individuals?" he asked, concern etched across his face.
Shaking her head, Alethia stammered, "I... I have no idea."
Russell held her at arm's length, inspecting her for any injuries. Upon noticing the bloodstains on her sleeves, he growled, pulling her closer against his chest.
"I'm fine, truly. They were just a group of bullies, nothing to worry about," she reassured, resting her head against his chest in an attempt to calm her frazzled nerves.
He shook his head, holding her tighter, muttering under his breath, as if cursing himself.
Slowly pulling away, Alethia mustered a small smile. "I genuinely am alright. However, I am quite hungry. Let's go grab something to eat."
The remainder of the day passed by uneventfully. Alethia sat in her final class, tapping her pencil on the desk as she glanced at the clock. Suddenly, a surge of power coursed through her, and a prophecy began to form in her mind.
Eyes that remain closed cannot perceive,
They fail to witness what destiny weaves.
Paths laid out, at the mercy of fate,
Yet days are lived, predetermined by date.
Perplexed, Alethia examined the prophecy, folding it neatly and tucking it into her pocket as the bell rang.
Slipping on her headphones, she made her way outside, where Jen and David walked past, exchanging smiles on their way home. As she was about to lose herself in music, Russell approached her. "How are you feeling now? Are you absolutely sure you're alright?" he inquired.
Alethia inclined her head. "Yes, I'm fine. I was just a bit shaken. Would you mind walking me home? I don't feel like going alone."
Russell nodded, and they set off down the road towards her house, their footsteps creating a quiet rhythm. As they reached her driveway, Russell took hold of her hand, bringing her to a halt. "I'm sorry," he said.
Confusion etched across her face, Alethia asked, "Sorry for what?"
His eyes gazed into the distance as he shook his head. "I should have been there. This should never have happened."
Sighing, she shook her head. "This isn't your fault. How could you have known something like this would occur today?"
Russell's gaze returned to her, and he gently brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I know who you are, Princess. You should always have someone watching your back."
Biting her lip, a flush rose to Alethia's cheeks as she looked up at him. "Why? Why would you care about what happens to me?"
He continued to hold her gaze. "I have my reasons."
Looking down, her heart racing, Alethia whispered, "I...I should go. I have a lot of work to do."
Stepping back, Russell nodded. "Have a good night, Alethia."
"Thank you, Russell." She made her way down the driveway towards the back door, stealing one last glance over her shoulder, only to find him gone.
Once inside, she tossed her bag aside and quickly sent a text to Chris. "We have a problem. Can you come over?"
His response was prompt. "I'll be there shortly."
"Thanks, Chris. See you soon."
Twenty minutes later, Chris knocked on the door. Alethia let him in and led him straight to her room. As she paced in front of him, she recounted the events of the day—the encounter with Slade and his White Doves, and the prophecy she had written.
Chris settled himself on the edge of the bed, flanked by Galen and Phraan, his gaze unwavering as he absorbed their words. "This group, the White Doves, they pose a dire threat if their true purpose is to eradicate the Chosen. We must delve deeper into their intentions, for if they had discovered your status as one of the Chosen, Alethia, our fortunes may not have been so favorable."
"Slade's cryptic words, 'B wouldn't be happy,' do bear significance," Chris pondered, his concern etched upon his face. "Could it be that he was referring to Bolly? If that is the case, it is highly probable that he knows about your Chosen lineage and is simply feigning ignorance."
Alethia's brows furrowed, her voice laced with apprehension. "But what course of action should I pursue if I find myself face to face with these White Doves once again?"
Chris sighed. "Try to stay with a group. You're less likely to run into them if you're surrounded by others."
Running her fingers through her hair, Alethia replied, "Yes, that could work. I hope so. Slade was so intense, so determined to uncover everything about you."
Chris watched her as she finally sat down. "I understand, and I'll make sure to gather information about him before he beats me to it. And don't worry, Galen and Phraan will keep a watchful eye on you too."
A smirk tugged at Alethia's lips. "That's quite the help. They're incorporeal. What can they do, give him a menacing glare?"
Chris sighed. "You could show a little more enthusiasm. At least you'll never be alone."
Alethia nodded, a giggle escaping her lips. "Fine, whatever you say. They can keep their eyes on me. Hopefully, that'll be of some use."
Chris stood up. "Tomorrow, after school, I want you to meet me at Tim Hortons. I have something to show you—a more private place for us to meet. You'll love it."
Alethia nodded. "Sure, sounds good. I'll meet you there at quarter to four tomorrow."
Chris smiled. "Sounds like a plan. See you tomorrow then. But for now, I need to get home. Clara should be calling soon."
With a smile, Alethia said, "Okay, see you tomorrow." She walked him to the door, watching as he made his way down the street. Leaning against the closed door, she let out a sigh. "Well, that just made things more complicated."
