Walking Between Worlds

Selena felt as though she were suspended in a void, the bridge beneath her feet glowing faintly with golden light. Around her, everything was a swirling haze of colors, shifting and blurring with no clear form. She kept moving forward, step by step, her heart pounding with uncertainty.

Where will this lead me? she wondered. Was she truly on her way back to the present, or was this another illusion a trick played by time itself?

The warmth of the ring on her finger was her only reassurance. She clenched her hand tightly, focusing on her connection with Alexander. If you can feel me, I know I'll find you again, she thought, her heart filling with determination.

Suddenly, the swirling haze began to clear, and Selena felt a rush of cool air against her skin. In the distance, she saw a faint light growing brighter with each step she took. Her breath caught as she realized the light was not just a distant glow it was a doorway, shimmering like the surface of a calm lake.

Without hesitation, she stepped through.

***

In the Present

Alexander lay in the apartment bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. Despite his weakened state, his mind was racing. He could still feel the faint trace of the connection he had made with Selena earlier, as though a part of her was still with him.

"I have to try again," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

the door to the room opened, and Professor Alden entered, carrying a small satchel. He gave Alexander a nod of encouragement.

"I brought what we need," Alden said quietly, placing the satchel on the table. "If you're ready, we can begin again.This time, we'll strengthen the connection," Alden explained. "Selena is close. You just need to guide her the rest of the way."

***

Back in the Past

Selena emerged from the glowing doorway, finding herself not in the present, but in another part of the kingdom a vast, ancient forest bathed in the soft light of dusk. The air was filled with the scent of pine and wildflowers, and the distant sound of running water reached her ears.

Where am I now? she wondered, turning in a slow circle to take in her surroundings.

Before she could gather her thoughts, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Instinctively, she hid behind a nearby tree, peeking out cautiously.

A group of soldiers in silver armor marched into view, their expressions grim. They were escorting a man in chains his face bruised, his clothes torn. Selena's heart skipped a beat when she recognized him.

"Lord Alaric…" she whispered.

But why was he a prisoner? And who were these soldiers? She had left the palace only moments ago how could so much have changed already?

Suddenly, one of the soldiers paused, his eyes scanning the forest. Selena held her breath, praying they wouldn't notice her. After a tense moment, the soldier turned away, and the group continued on their way, disappearing into the forest.

Selena stepped out from her hiding place, her mind racing with questions. Something was happening in the kingdom something she didn't understand. But more importantly, she realized that her journey wasn't over.

She had to find a way to complete the bridge and return to Alexander.

***

In the Present

Alexander closed his eyes once more, focusing on the image of Selena. He could feel her presence faintly, as though she were just out of reach. The crystal in Alden's hand began to glow softly, and the water in the bowl rippled with energy.

"Keep focusing," Alden urged. "You're almost there."

Suddenly, Alexander felt a surge of warmth in his chest a sensation he recognized as the bond between him and Selena. He opened his eyes, and for a brief moment, he saw her standing in a forest, looking lost but determined.

"Selena!" he called out, his voice filled with urgency.

In the forest, Selena froze. She heard Alexander's voice, faint but clear, as though carried on the wind.

"Alexander?" she whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"I can see you," Alexander said, his voice trembling with emotion. "We're connected. I'll find a way to bring you back."

Selena smiled through tears, her heart swelling with hope. "I knew you'd find me."