“Helia?” I murmured with a raspy voice. Clearing my throat, I tried again. “Helia, where am I? Are you a ghost?” I asked because she did look like floating smoke but still like herself.
“No dear, I’m no ghost. This is just my spirit coming to guide you through this. And this place you’re in is Nexus, home of the supernatural.” Helia explained, but it didn’t make sense to me.
“Uh, could you explain it like your talking to a five year old,” I said as I felt movement in my neck. Helia floated to the side, no longer blocking my view of the women talking beyond us.
“The image I showed you was one thousand years into the past in a place we call Nexus. Nexus is a realm parallel to earth where all creatures humans consider supernatural originated. There are two portals that connect this place to to earth.” Helia said, watching the exchange between the women get more intense. Celeste still looked calm, but the older woman was on a rampage, explaining something with lots of hand gestures.
“So, am I like on another planet?” I wondered.
This was all so strange.
“No. Think of Nexus and earth as the same place but separated by a wall. Humans don’t know the wall is there, and they never see it. Supernaturals from Nexus know about the realm, and they can only enter through a portal.” Helia glided to the other side as she watched my body carefully.
“Why am I here? And why can’t I move?” My frustration was growing as my inability to budge continued.
“Traveling through a vortex is a strain on the body. You should gain control soon. As to why you’re here…” Helia was cut short by the doors bursting open forcefully.
I could hear several feet stomping along with clanging metal. Soon enough, I was almost surrounded by bulking men dressed in chainmail, complete with swords and other weaponry. One man led the cavalry and he was the only one in gold chainmail.
These people sure do like gold.
His movements were firm and hard. He walked with authority and power. The guy snatched off his helmet, revealing a handsome scruffy face and dark hair. All the other men dropped to one knee and recited “your majesty” pridefully while the supposed leader simply placed his right fist to his heart.
This guy must be some big deal if he didn’t have to bow.
“Who is he? Better yet, who are all these people?” I asked Helia who seemed like she had she already seen this before.
“That man is named Arc. These are the men in the army he leads. The woman on the throne is The Creator. She is the first vampire and ruler of Nexus. The older woman is a crone of this time named Hildegarde. And the little, scared-looking girl is me.”
My head jerked up quickly. Her statement just shocked some life into me. Slowly, I moved myself into a sitting position.
“Uh, did you just say that little girl is you?”
Helia nodded.
No way! “But this was a thousand years ago! You only look like sixty or seventy, not a thousand!” My disbelief was in every word I said. Helia looked unfazed by my outburst as she continued to watch the scene before us.
“Vampires are the only creatures that stop aging. The rest us age at a human rate until about the age of twenty and then it slows. The reason I lived so long is because I am a crone and a crone cannot die until she names her successor, which I have not done yet.”
Her explanation was so simple yet complex at the same time. I was going to ask why she wouldn’t name her replacement but Arc’s roaring voice stopped me.
“NO! We must attack now before Erebus illegally uses the portal again and transports more turned humans here!” Arc shouted as he paced in front of the throne.
Celeste regarded him coolly.
“My son, if you do this, we will all fail,” Celeste said gently.
The more I watched Arc, it became easier to see his resemblance to Celeste. She did just call him son, so he must be.
“Nonsense! I have the best men! Just because your witch says I will lose, it doesn’t make it a fact, mother!” Arc countered.
“Young prince, my visions are never wrong.” Hildegarde threw in angrily.
Arc just waved her off.
“Mother, please listen. Erebus is out of control. He is illegally turning humans into vampires and creating an army to kill you and take your crystal heart. If we don’t stop him now, he will succeed. I have sources that located his hideout. If we make a surprise attack tonig…” Arc abruptly stopped talking when Celeste stood. Her calm was long gone and lightning bolts shot through her eyes. She was mad
“Son, I gave you an order to stand down. You will not disobey me!” Celeste’s voice was so powerful, everyone in the room dropped to the floor with the exception of her son. Even I was scared of her and I was unseen on the ground.
Arc angrily strode from the room. His men followed suit.
Meanwhile, I finally had enough strength to stand, even though my legs felt like jelly.
“Well, that was intense.” I said to Helia “What’s he so upset about anyways?”
Helia sighed sadly before speaking. “Arc was Celeste’s only son and a warrior; very strong, but very foolish. A vampire named Erebus wanted to be king. He wanted power, so he began illegally using the portals to travel to earth where he turned hundreds of humans. His goal was to take the crystal heart of immortals that lie in Celeste’s chest and awaken the red dragon to enslave the human race.”
“Oh my gosh. That’s awful. Did they stop him?” My anxiety increased because, for some reason, I felt connected to this story. I just wasn’t sure how.
“Yes and no. Celeste’s mate, Arc’s father, went to battle alongside the wolves, but they were outnumbered. Erebus knew that the alpha of the weres carried the crystal heart of wolves. As he slaughtered the huge wolf, Erebus tore it from his chest. Arc’s father saw this and knew he couldn’t allow Erebus to have one of the hearts. He attacked Erebus and shattered the heart, forcibly launching the pieces into the air. Erebus chopped his head off seconds later,” Helia said sadly, floating closer to watch her younger self play.
Wow, this Erebus guy was a real ass! I guess that explained why Arc was so determined to kill him. So where did this go wrong?
“Once the heart of wolves was destroyed, it split the wolves. Those in wolf form at the moment of breaking couldn’t change back, and those in human form at that time could no longer sense their beast. The weres blamed the vampires and refused to help them fight again. Every creature began retreating into the portals which caused chaos. This brings us to the day we are in now. This is the day we fell. Arc disobeyed his mother and was led into a trap where he was killed.” Helia’s eyes welled, but no tears fell.
For some reason, the tears fell from my eyes. This was such a sad story and these people felt so close to me. Strangely enough, being here made me feel like I was home.
“Come on, Helia.” The older woman said to young Helia. The little girl waved at Helia who smiled and waved back at her young self.
As if that was not weird.
Celeste gracefully strode from the room followed by Hildegarde and young Helia. I turned my attention back to the Helia I knew, whose aberration seemed to be more transparent than before.
“So there was a war here that was lost. Those who didn’t die fled to earth using the portals. I get that. What I don’t get is what a war that happened a thousand years before in a different realm has to do with me?” I asked, very confused. Yes, I felt a connection here, but hey, I was a vampire now, so that’s probably why.
Helia didn’t respond. Instead, she floated from the room after the women. Not seeing any other option, I followed, exiting the large iron doors into an immaculate corridor. It was the complete opposite of the throne room. The floors were made of black marble, and the walls shined like jagged ice. I ran my hand along the surface and was stunned by the coldness. Was this really ice?
Everyone was getting further away from me, so I picked up my pace to catch up.
Celeste entered a grand bedroom after
walking down a set of spiral stairs. Little Helia bounced on the bed that was way bigger than any king-sized bed I’d ever seen. I wondered what we were doing in here for a moment, but I chose not to ask. Celeste ran her fingers along the mahogany wall. There didn’t seem to be anything on it, but she suddenly paused with her fingertips pointed on one particular area. She pushed on it, and the wall caved in. The walls expanded and opened. Celeste walked into it, and when she came back, she had a sleeping black-haired baby girl in her arms.
Well, that was unexpected.
“Does anyone know about your pregnancy?” Hildegarde asked as she sat next to Celeste on the bed. Celeste rubbed the baby’s head lovingly
“No, I hid my pregnancy from everyone, and you were the only one there for her birth. If Erebus knows she exists, he’ll kill her. He will kill my son tonight. I’m certain, but he must not be able to take both of my children,” Celeste said with deep sadness as she looked at her daughter. She laid the baby on the bed, next young Helia. Celeste then stood and began pulling down her dress.
Okay what was she doing? I looked to Helia and was certain her form was slowly fading.
“You have to cut it from me, Hildegarde,” Celeste said, drawing my attention back to her topless figure.
“Are you sure about this?” Hildegarde questioned as she took a short blade from between her breasts.
“It’s the only way to save my daughter and hopefully, one day, the people. Take my crystal heart and put it in her. When Erebus comes to kill me, I won’t be as strong, but I’ll be strong enough to imprison him for at least a millennium,” Celeste said, ceremoniously raising her arms in the air.
Hildegarde nodded in agreement and stuck the blade to Celeste’s left side. Celeste howled in pain. The sound made me ache. The old witch drew her blade down slowly, leaving a trail of thick blood. When she pulled the knife back, a gaping hole formed on Celeste’s side. That was when I realized the blade must be made of platinum because she wasn’t healing quickly. Hildegarde reached her hand inside the hole. Celeste cringed but remained still. When she took her bloody hand out, inside it was a rugged-shaped crystal. It shone and thumped magnificently, as if it were alive. Celeste’s wound closed, and she picked up the sleeping baby.
All of a sudden,a feeling so intense took hold over me, I thought I was feeling Celeste’s pain. But, no, this was something else. I clutched my stomach as an uncomfortable knot formed there. What the hell? Turning to face Helia, her ghost form was now barely visible
“Helia, what’s happening?” I asked, still holding my stomach.
“My time is almost up. The spell doesn’t last long,” Helia said, fading out.
“What about me? How do I get out?!” The pain increased, causing me to double over.
“Find the portal.” Helia’s voice faded away.
“Where? How?” My desperate voice showed my fear.
“Follow your instincts…” Helia’s voiced trailed off as she completely disappeared, leaving me alone a thousand years in the past with no way out. I looked back up, and Hildegarde was chanting something. The crystal heart spun wildly in the air with trails of lights. The spinning increased as it lowered itself to the baby’s chest. The crystal sunk into her chest with ease, not even showing signs of entry.
“Remember to go through the portal, and use the spell to freeze her in time,” Celeste said, kissing the baby in her arms. “I love you.” She whispered and kissed her one last time before handing her to Hildegarde. The crone bowed respectfully before vanishing through the still open wall with the baby and Helia. My knees gave out, and I dropped to the ground. My insides felt like they were being crushed. Crap! This hurt.
“You’re almost out of time, young traveler. Go now to the portal.” I looked up from the floor to see Celeste looking down at me.
“You can see me?” It wasn’t the best time for that question, but hey…
“Yes, there isn’t much I don’t see. You grew up even more beautiful than I expected,” she said, looking at me like I was the most precious thing in the world. Why was she looking at me like that?
I never got the chance to ask because her doors bolted open, and at least ten men barged in. Celeste began gracefully fighting them with her bare hands. Not one could touch her. Wow, she was good. I forced myself to my feet, desperate to help her.
“Go to the portal before you die here, daughter!” She shouted as she ripped off a man’s head. Wait, I can die here? No, no, no. I used all my will to run from the room and out of the huge palace. I ended up running into a garden in the backyard. A pain in my chest halted my next step. It hurt so bad, the feeling of dying washed over me. No, I will not die twice. Once was bad enough. If I could survive that death, I could survive anything. With deliberate steps, I continued pushing my way through the garden.
Once I got to the end of the yard, I realized this palace sat on a cliff. Down below, the waves crashed against the rocks on the shore. That was just perfect. What now? Helia’s final words floated in my mind. I closed my eyes and concentrated on what I felt besides pain. The cool wind brushed my face. Celeste’s smile warmed my heart. With my eyes still closed, I took a few steps away from the edge. Briefly, I paused before running full speed and diving off the cliff’s edge.
***
Seb
“How long does this take?” I asked, growing more irritated by the second with the young witch.
“It depends. I don’t know exactly,” Jace said with equal frustration. He was desperately trying to find the right ingredients to get the vortex screen back up. It went off shortly after his grandmother’s spirit left. And I had been losing my shit ever since.
That was two hours ago.
“Why can’t you bring the image back up, witch?” I asked for the one hundredth time.
“Half-witch, actually, and these are complex spells,” Jace said, dropping blue liquid on the table. Just like every other time he tried, it just sizzled and there was no picture, which meant no Ana. I was so worried, I felt like my heart was running wildly, trying to break free from my chest. Jace went back to the cabinets to search for other ingredients. Hopefully, some that really works.
“So you’re a half witch?” I asked after I stopped my pacing.
“Yes; human father and a witch mother who hates the craft.” Jace responded as he mixed things together. That explained why he wasn’t as strong as a full witch.
I didn’t really care. All I wanted was for Ana to get out of that vortex. I couldn’t stop thinking about the moment at the motel. I had the perfect chance to tell Ana how I truly felt, but I choked. Honestly, I was still pissed about her kissing this witch boy. But could I blame her? By now, I was sure she wouldn’t give me another chance. But was I willing to stand by and watch her be with someone else? Hell no! It sounded selfish, but it was the truth. I’d have to find a way to get back in her good graces. That would be easier if the witch kid wasn’t around. I turned to Jace as he, yet again, unsuccessfully poured another fluid on the now multicolored table.
“Argh! It’s been too long!” I shouted, running my hands down my face.
“I’m doing the best I can! You’re not the only one who loves her, you know,” Jace said angrily.
I stopped my movements and regarded Jace.
“Who said anything about love?” I asked, taking a step towards him.
Jace laughed humorlessly, taking a matching step until we were face to face.
“You don’t need to say it. It’s in the way you look at her when she’s not watching. It’s in your actions since she was sucked in. What you don’t know is I love her too and I will fight for her,” Jace said, his voice hard and determined.
I gave him a half smile. I admired the boy’s drive, but if he thought himself competition, he needed to think again.
“You know nothing about Ana.” I challenged. I spent every day with her for the last two years I was certain the Ana now was nothing like the Ana Jace knew.
“I know now she’s some
type of supernatural. The rest will come when I make her mine.” Jace shot back.
I was starting to get pissed off. Witch boy and I were almost nose to nose. The testosterone in the air weighed heavily.
“Touch her and I will break every bone in your body.” I said ferociously.
“Is that a threat?” Jace dared.
I gave a dark chuckle. “No, it’s a guarantee.”
I saw Jace’s eyes widened slightly before he tried to cover it. Jace didn’t had a chance to add anything else because Helia bolted awake with a scream. We separated and Jace ran to his grandmother’s aid. She was panting hard. Seconds later, she jumped up, taking off out of the room. We both ran after her. Helia went to the bathroom and started filling the tub with scorching hot water.
Now was not the time for a bath.
“Grandmother, what happened? Where’s Ana?” Jace looked as confused as me.
The tub was half-way full now. I couldn’t take my eyes off the water. I thought I saw something flash in it but brushed it off as a trick of the light. Helia was still trying to catch her breath.
“Por-portal. She needs an entry point.”
Helia pulled another vial from her pocket and poured the contents into the water. Here Jace was who can’t make one good potion yet Helia had pockets full of them. Jace really must be a half witch after all. I looked back into the tub, and this time I was sure I saw something in there. And I knew exactly what it was.
I moved so quickly, I almost knocked Helia out the way as I dove my upper body into the tub. I came back up empty-handed, but I wouldn’t dare stop. I dove my arms back into the burning water, ignoring the pain as I felt for something, anything. Suddenly, I felt an object. I used both arms to reach in and yank it out with all the force in my body.
Finally, Ana emerged from the water, gasping. Her face was pale and her lips were blue. She was shaking terribly and even had frost on her eyelashes, but I had never been happier to have her in my arms. I cradled her as tightly as I could on the bathroom floor.
Pure: A Paranormal Romance Page 21
