(Our Realm)
Chris anxiously paced the tree line, his worry growing with each passing moment. The others were late, and they were never late. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping over him. Laughter echoed through the woods, drawing his attention towards the path. Chris spun around, crossing his arms as he waited for Jen and David to appear.
As they rounded the bend, Jen's smile faded upon seeing the concern etched on Chris' face. She fell in behind David, her eyes reflecting the worry she saw in his.
"Where is Alethia? Why isn't she with you?" Chris demanded, his voice tinged with urgency.
David held his hands up, trying to calm Chris down. "Listen, man, she's been here longer than Jen and me. She's got a date tonight, and she asked us to let you know she won't be able to make it."
Chris sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "She's with Russell, right?"
Jen crossed her arms, her tone slightly exasperated. "Well, unless she's got another boyfriend we don't know about, then yes!"
Chris looked at her with a mixture of concern and frustration. "I'm just worried about her, that's all. You understand, right?"
Jen nodded, her expression softening. "Don't worry, okay? We haven't seen or heard anything from Slade or the White Doves all summer."
Chris shook his head slowly. "Actually, that's not true."
David raised an eyebrow, sensing that Chris was holding something back. "You ran into them, didn't you? What aren't you telling us?"
Chris leaned against a nearby tree, his eyes filled with apprehension. "I ran into them yesterday. That's why I called this meeting, to warn all of you."
Jen sighed, her concern growing. "What do we need to be warned about? What did he say?"
Chris shook his head, his voice filled with resignation. "The same thing as last time. He wants my help in finding the rest of the chosen ones. I declined, and he threatened not only my life but also the lives of my friends."
David wrapped his arm around Jen, a protective gesture. "So, he knows that we're all connected now?"
Chris nodded, a flicker of worry in his eyes. "He's seen us together. And even though Alethia will be with Russell tonight, they might still be in danger."
David reassured him, his voice laced with confidence. "Don't worry about it. They'll be fine. Russell and Alethia will be in crowded places, nowhere that Slade and his gang can get them alone."
Chris nodded slowly, his worry far from eased. "I know, but I can't help but worry. I guess we should start your training for the night. Alethia has already had this lesson, so at least she won't be behind. Let's get started. Fighting stances, please."
Jen and David obediently set their bags down and assumed their stances, ready for the training. Chris glanced back towards the path, hoping to catch a glimpse of Alethia emerging through the trees. With a sigh, he turned his attention back to Jen and David, beginning their lesson for the evening.
****
Alethia and Russell strolled along the bustling main street, their eyes fixed on the enticing displays in the shop windows. Their destination was the local swimming pool, a place of respite and relaxation. Lightly, Alethia playfully nudged Russell as he tickled her sides.
"Careful now, don't get too rough, my love," he teased.
With a mischievous smirk, Alethia asked, "Did I hurt you, sweetie?"
He chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist. "No, my beautiful, not at all."
Alethia beamed, leaning into his embrace as they entered the pool through the grand doors. However, a strange sensation nagged at her, as if someone was tailing them. She glanced over her shoulder but saw no one, yet the feeling persisted. Shaking off her unease, she followed Russell to the counter to pay for their swim, dismissing it as Chris's paranoia rubbing off on her.
Russell paid for their three-hour swim, and they headed to their respective changing rooms. Alethia quickly changed into her black two-piece bathing suit, showering off the day's worries. As she listened for the click of the lock leading to the pool, signifying the start of their swim, she felt a sense of anticipation. The click echoed through the changing room, and Alethia grabbed her towel, ready to dive into the water.
Russell stood by the poolside, his swim trunks on, a towel casually draped over his shoulder. He grinned as Alethia approached him. "Ready for a swim?"
Alethia smiled, walking past him and tossing her towel onto the railing. With a graceful dive, she immersed herself in the water, swimming a few laps before returning to the edge, resting her arm against the pool's edge. "Are you joining me, sweetie?"
Russell swiftly surfaced next to her, a smile lighting up his face. "Wow, you're an impressive swimmer."
Alethia laughed, the water glistening on her skin. "I've always loved swimming."
Russell leaned in for a soft kiss before playfully swimming away. Alethia swiftly followed, their laughter echoing through the pool as they swam laps and engaged in playful banter. Two hours passed, and Alethia pulled herself up onto the pool's ledge, dangling her feet in the water. "Shall we go get some movies and grab a bite to eat? I'm growing tired of swimming."
Russell grinned. "Sure thing." He hoisted himself out of the water, grabbing their towels and handing one to Alethia, helping her to her feet. "I'll meet you by the front desk."
Alethia nodded, entering the changing room to wash off the chlorine and rinse her hair. She quickly dried off, got dressed, and began sorting through her bag. Suddenly, the sound of the lock clicking on the door leading to the pool caught her attention. Startled, she looked up. "Hello? Is someone there?"
Three figures emerged from around the corner. Slade, accompanied by his lackeys, wore a menacing smirk. "Miss Alethia, you're quite elusive. We've been trying to catch you alone."
Alethia took a cautious step back, her thigh brushing against the bench. "This is the girls' changing room. You're not supposed to be here."
Slade stepped closer, his smirk widening. "We need to have a little chat, and I'm not going anywhere."
"I have nothing to discuss with you, Slade."
He chuckled softly. "Ah, you've become bolder since our last encounter." "There's nothing for me to fear when it comes to you."
In a swift motion, Slade grabbed her arm, his nails digging into her skin. Alethia winced, but her determination remained unwavering. With a swift kick, she sent Slade stumbling to the ground, freeing herself from his grip. His lackeys moved to intervene, but Slade raised his hand, halting them as he regained his footing.
Alethia smirked, her eyes filled with defiance. "I told you, I have nothing to fear."
Slade's smile grew wider. "I want you to deliver a message to your friend Chris." "I won't be your errand runner, Slade."
"After our last encounter and our little discussion, it seems Chris hasn't taken our hint. Maybe he'll listen this time. We've discovered another Chosen one, and if he doesn't cooperate, we might just have to eliminate this one."
Alethia let out a soft laugh. "You truly believe he'll help you? Are you mad? He won't assist you in finding these so-called chosen ones just so you can kill them."
Slade advanced on her once again, pinning her against the wall, his foot pressing down on hers. "You think you and your friend have the upper hand because you haven't seen us in a while? You're mistaken. We've been watching you. I know Chris's weakness, and I will exploit it. We hold the advantage, not you."
Alethia struggled against him, trying to break free, as he brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes.
"It's a shame we find ourselves on opposing sides in this war. If you worked for me, you could have all the power you desire, standing by my side."
Through her fear, Alethia laughed softly. "I would rather die than work for the likes of you."
Slade's lips curled into a rough smile as he kissed her, but as he pulled away, a smirk played on his face. "We can arrange that," he said, his voice dripping with mischief. "But first, I need you to deliver a message to our little friend. Once that's done, you and I can indulge in some fun." His finger traced a path down her cheek and along her collarbone, leaving a tingling sensation in its wake. With a purposeful stride, he made his way to the door that led out of the room.
Three loud knocks echoed through the room, and the lock on the outside clicked open. Slade and his two lackeys exited, leaving Alethia alone in the change room. Alethia fought back her fear, mustering her courage to send a message to Chris, her fingers dancing across the keys.
"Slade just paid me a visit, Chris. He's demanding your assistance before he executes one of the chosen. He claims they have information about you. I believe we need to have a conversation."
