Alethia observed Corie's serene meditation, guiding her through the rhythmic cadence of her breath. It had been a mere few weeks since Alethia had discovered Corie's innate potential for traversing the ethereal realms. Ever since that fateful visit to the glade, Corie's aura had undergone a transformative shift, Cordelia's essence intertwining with her own.
Corie slowly unveiled her eyes, a radiant smile gracing her lips. "That was even more extraordinary than before," she exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm.
Alethia returned the smile, her eyes gleaming with pride. "I never anticipated it would be this effortless to impart this knowledge to someone."
Corie chuckled, her curiosity piqued. "So, when do I have the chance to truly venture into the other realm?" A contemplative pause hung in the air, before Alethia responded, her voice laced with anticipation. "Well, perhaps we can attempt it now."
Corie's face lit up with excitement. "Really?"
Alethia nodded, her conviction unwavering. "Indeed. Meet me in the glade in a mere two minutes." Corie acknowledged the instruction, closing her eyes once more as she delved into a state of deep meditation.
Alethia focused her gaze upon the glade, patiently awaiting Corie's arrival. With a final breath, Alethia closed her own eyes, directing her concentration solely towards the vast realms that awaited them.
(Other Realm)
Aletha materialized next to Corie, a gentle smile on her face. "We have delved into the art of teleportation before, so let me reveal to you the destination where we shall venture. Once you arrive there, you shall embrace your true essence."
Corie nodded eagerly, her excitement palpable. "Let us embark on this journey swiftly. I can no longer contain my anticipation."
Alethia chuckled softly. "Very well. Our destination is the renowned Open Arm's Inn. I shall rendezvous with you there. Does this arrangement meet with your approval?"
Corie's smile widened as she nodded in affirmation, closing her eyes to allow the magical currents to envelop her. In an instant, she found herself transported to the Open Arm's Inn.
Alethia, following suit, arrived in her own room within the inn. However, Corie was nowhere to be found. A hint of worry crept into Alethia's gaze as her bedroom door burst open, and an exuberant Cordelia came bounding in.
"Oh, dear gods!" Cordelia exclaimed, her joy evident.
Alethia couldn't help but laugh, noting that her friend's aura had finally merged with her sister's. "It is truly remarkable. You have become an elf."
Cordelia's laughter filled the room. "I can hardly believe it. I am an elf!"
Alethia settled herself on the edge of her bed, wearing a contented smile. "Now that you are present, you shall witness the realms at all times. I have made it possible, even though you are not chosen. Your marking, coupled with my guidance, shall unleash more of your dormant powers."
Cordelia absorbed Alethia's words, her expression pensive. "So, even in the mortal realm, I will be able to perceive the realms?"
Alethia's smile grew wider. "Indeed, just as I do."
Cordelia's face lit up with delight. "Splendid! Now, pray tell, what do we indulge in for amusement in this realm?"
(Our Realm)
Alethia's eyes fluttered open as Corie shook her head. "It's like a constant, ongoing T.V. in the back of my mind," Corie remarked.
Alethia chuckled. "Yes, it is."
Corie shook her head again. "That's going to take some getting used to."
"It will become second nature to you soon enough," Alethia assured her.
A soft tap on the door interrupted their conversation, and Jen peeked in with a smile. "Hey, am I interrupting anything?"
Alethia shook her head. "No, what's up?"
Jen sat down next to Corie. "Well, I just got off the phone with Clara. She's really worried because Chris hasn't called or visited her in three days. She wanted to know if I had heard or seen him. I haven't, so I thought I would ask if you had."
Alethia's brow furrowed. "No, I haven't. He never showed up for our lesson yesterday either."
Corie chimed in. "I haven't heard from him either. He usually calls to let me know about the next meeting for the week, but he hasn't called yet."
Jen sighed. "I'm worried. This isn't like Chris. He always calls at least one of us every night."
Alethia sat down on the bed, nodding in agreement. "Have you asked David if he has seen him?"
Jen nodded. "I went there first."
Alethia chewed on her bottom lip, concern etched on her face. "I hope he's not blaming himself for what happened the other day."
Jen leaned back against the wall. "Oh, you mean involving the White Doves?"
"Yeah," Alethia replied.
Jen furrowed her brows in confusion. "But how?"
Alethia shrugged. "Only the chosen are allowed to use magic. Chris probably blames himself because Slade knows I'm chosen now."
Corie took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation. "Wow, this is really intense."
Alethia nodded in agreement.
Jen reassured them both. "Well, no worries. We'll make sure no White Doves get near you again."
Alethia managed a soft smile. "That's not what I'm worried about. I'm afraid Chris is blaming himself."
Jen and Corie enveloped her in a comforting hug. "Hey, Alethia, he'll be fine. He's been doing this longer than all of us."
Alethia slowly nodded, returning the embrace. "Yeah, I guess you're right." Yet, a nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach told her that something was amiss.
