Chapter 2.0: Beyond

𝟐.𝟎: Beyond

Cassie's perspective

𝐈 can't be her, I whispered, Elysia lived a life full of misery. She was neglected, used, and eventually murdered by her own child. I don't want that for me. I'm trying to avoid that.

Nylos didn't speak right away. He just stood there, letting my words hang in the silence, like he respected the weight they carried.

"It's not Elysia's pain you fear," he said gently. "It's the unknown. You've lived your whole life watching stories unfold from a distance, knowing how they'd end. But now… you're the one in the pages. And that terrifies you."

I looked away. He was right, but it didn't make it any better. Being alone in that dog-eat-dog world with nothing in my arsenal… I couldn't do it. I would be killed off before I could even find my bearings.

"You won't be alone, Cassandra," he continued, as if reading my thoughts. "Every soul I guide is given a companion—a system. Think of it as your anchor, your helper, your… cosmic assistant."

I blinked at him. A system? Like in those level-up cultivation novels?

He chuckled, nodding. "Good thing you already have an idea of what they are. Rest assured, your system will guide you through your days, give you access to necessary items, even reward you for key accomplishments. Most importantly, it will help you understand the world you're entering and how your choices shape it."

I hesitated. So, like… a cheat code?

"Precisely," he grinned, eyes twinkling. "But sassy. A sassy cheat code."

Despite everything, a small laugh escaped me. The tension in my chest loosened.

You're giving me a real chance, huh? I said, quietly. A chance to do more than just survive her life.

"I'm giving you the reins," he said. "You can mourn the woman who came before you, but don't let her past dictate your future. You've got power now—knowledge, instinct, and the right to choose."

I drew a deep breath, feeling that spark of resolve take root. You're right… I'll try. No, I'll do my best—with the system and with whatever strength I have.

Fortunately, I wasn't waltzing in alone. Having a companion through it all didn't sound so bad.

Nylos' expression warmed. "That's all I ask."

Then he gestured down the remaining stretch of the corridor. "There's just one thing left. You need to walk the rest of this path on your own. As you do, you'll absorb all of Elysia's memories—even the ones you never read about. Her private fears. Her silent hopes. Her truth."

I nodded slowly. So when I reach the door…

"You'll be ready," he said. "Ready to live her life—your new life."

A pause lingered, quiet and full.

Then, softly, he added, "Even though you've read the story before, don't forget… this world breathes. It changes. The people aren't lines in a book any more. They're alive. And they will change because of you. Every action you take, every bond you forge—it matters."

His voice turned softer still, laced with something tender.

"We may not meet again, at least not face to face," he said. "But I'll be watching, always. My eyes are on the stars… and you'll be one of the brightest."

Before I could say anything, something shimmered between us—a single white feather, glowing faintly like moonlight.

He held it out, letting it drift gently into my hand.

"What's this for?" I asked, the feather warm against my skin.

"You'll understand when the time is right," he murmured. "Don't let go of it until you pass through the door, no matter what."

The corridor began to hum faintly, the door at the far end pulsing with gentle light.

I looked up at him, heart aching in the strangest way. Even without meaning to, my eyes began to water. "Thank you, Nylos. For everything. I'll… I'll never forget your kindness. Thank you for choosing me. And for giving me a fighting chance."

The entire profile of the god before me lit up with a smile. His response was short. "Go rewrite your fate, genius psychologist, Cassandra Arlette."

Before I could let a tear slip, I quickly turned toward the door, clutching the feather close. And I began to walk. Step by step, the memories folded into me like a thousand voices, all chorusing one name.

Elysia.

And when I reached the door, I didn't hesitate.

I stepped through.