(Our Realm)
Alethia reclined against a sturdy oak, her gaze fixed on Chris as he paced back and forth. His hands were clasped behind his back, and a stern expression adorned his face. "The issue is that they're well aware of how often we're seen together, and they've formed the misguided notion that you and I are involved romantically. I have a gut feeling they'll continue to threaten you."
Alethia scoffed. "Don't fret, Chris. They hold no true power here. They won't dare to act upon their baseless assumptions."
Chris turned to glare at her, his eyes filled with frustration. "That's not the point, Alethia. You don't understand the things they said and how they behaved."
Alethia stood up, crossing her arms. "Then enlighten me. Tell me what they said."
Chris let out a weary sigh. "They believe I am the Chosen one."
Alethia nodded, her understanding evident. "That much was clear when I spoke with them."
Running his fingers through his disheveled hair, Chris appeared frazzled. "They want me to aid them in finding the other Chosen ones."
Confusion clouded Alethia's expression. "They want what?"
Chris confirmed her confusion with a nod. "They seek my assistance. They can only discern those who are marked, unable to distinguish the Chosen from the rest. The only reason they believe I am Chosen is due to overheard conversations and witnessing my abilities as a guide. Though I possess more capabilities than the marked, I am nowhere near as powerful as the Chosen. According to their leader, B, only a Chosen one could accomplish what I can."
Alethia sighed softly, her voice tinged with concern. "Brolly, right? How can we avoid this? They won't cease pestering you until you agree to help them."
Chris shook his head. "I know, I know. But what choice do I have? I won't aid them in locating the other Chosen ones, as that would endanger everyone. Yet, if I refuse, it puts you in harm's way."
Alethia shook her head in response. "If you decline or deceive them into thinking you're assisting, it will still put you in danger. I'm not worried about myself; I'm worried about you."
Chris settled himself on the ground. "That doesn't concern me. I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you. I am bound to protect you."
Taking a seat beside him, Alethia voiced another suggestion. "Well, perhaps we could go to the authorities."
Chris chuckled softly, the sound tinged with bitterness. "And tell them what? That there's a group of self-proclaimed witch hunters who believe I am Chosen and want me to help them locate and kill the others? Or else, they'll harm my ward, who is, in fact, Chosen. The moment I mention witch hunters, they'll summon men in white coats to take me away."
Frustration etched on her face, Alethia rose to her feet. "I apologize for not being accustomed to this like you are. I've always been able to seek help from others, but now, even if I tried, no one would believe me."
Chris stood up, enveloping her in a gentle embrace. "Don't worry, Alethia. We'll be okay. We'll find a way to overcome this. I swear, I'll figure it out. Just promise me you'll watch your back until I do, alright?"
Alethia nodded slowly. "Alright."
Chris smiled and advised, "And stay in a group, as I've said before. Never be alone, okay?"
Chris received a nod of agreement. "Good. Now, let's head home before it becomes too late."
Alethia began walking down the path, with Chris trailing behind her, as they made their way home for the evening.
The next morning, Alethia stood outside the school, waiting for Jen and David. It was early, with only a handful of teachers' cars scattered across the parking lot. A light rain began to fall, causing Alethia to lean against the wall by the main doors.
She waved as she spotted Jen and David strolling through the parking lot, their laughter mingling with the soft patter of rain. Alethia patiently waited for them to draw closer. Jen said something to David before dashing across the remaining stretch of the parking lot, seeking shelter under the small roof. She practically tackled Alethia, embracing her tightly.
"How are you feeling? Better? You really scared us the other night."
Alethia offered a gentle smile. "I'm fine, much better now. I suppose I'm still getting accustomed to such intense visions. It truly knocked me off my feet."
David joined them, rubbing Alethia's shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll grow accustomed to it eventually. After all, it's part of your duty, isn't it?"
Alethia nodded slowly. "Yes, it is. But it truly frightened me when it occurred. I wasn't prepared, and it engulfed me so swiftly. It felt as though I were truly there."
Jen took a seat on one of the benches, and David circled around to stand behind them, eager to listen to Alethia's account of the vision.
"It was a strange and unsettling experience," Alethia began, her voice heavy with concern. "In this vision, I found myself in a different time, older and apparently married, though I never caught a glimpse of my husband. I was preparing to leave for work when a piercing scream shattered the air. A little girl's frantic cries for her mother echoed through the house. With a sense of urgency, I rushed downstairs in search of my two children, Joey and Payton. But they were nowhere to be found."
Her voice trembled as she continued, recounting the chilling encounter. "Out of nowhere, a man materialized before me, pinning me against a wall. His sinister words chilled me to the core. He demanded that if I ever wished to see my children again, Zepher and I must meet him at a designated time, and that I would have to submit to his will. It was a surreal and disturbing moment. And when he disappeared, leaving me shaken, I discovered a deep wound on my stomach. Blood spilled forth, causing immense pain. It was then that I heard Russell calling out my name."
Jen gently patted her knee, offering comfort, while David gripped her shoulder in support. "That is indeed peculiar," he remarked, his concern evident. "Have you discussed this with Chris?"
Alethia nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of hope and uncertainty. "Yes, I sought his insight once more. However, his response mirrored our previous conversation. Not all visions come to fruition; some merely serve as glimpses into possible futures."
David's agreement was tinged with worry. "While that may provide some solace, it's disconcerting that these visions leave you incapacitated and in pain."
A small smile graced Alethia's lips, though it held a touch of sadness. "I share your hope, David. It was far from pleasant, and each vision seems to leave behind a painful reminder. They persist, unyielding in their presence, as if determined to make their mark on my life."
