by Cloud Riser
“Is that so?”
“Most are things I overhear,” I clarified. “The fact I haven’t told anyone those things should mean something.”
She held my gaze for a moment longer before looking up at the sky. Her legs swung casually and her feet tapped gently against the log. “Do you believe in other worlds?”
“Planets? Of course.”
“Not planets, not exactly. Where I’m from, there are those who believe in alternate universes. Other versions of the world we live in.” Her voice was so quiet I almost didn’t hear her. “I am from another place…another time.”
I blinked, startled. “What?”
For my version of Earth, science hadn’t come up with theories about the multiverse yet. Even now, it’s still considered a “crazy” theory that no one takes seriously.
Naturally, I only felt confused. Way above my head.
My response probably came across as flippant. Lucretia stood. “Forget I said anything.”
“Please don’t go.” I climbed off the log to grab her hand. When our skin touched, again, I couldn’t deny the sparks. “Explain, because I want to understand this.”
“This might be a lot to take in. Are you sure?”
Am I sure? A loaded question. My last out. Saying no would have changed the course of history. How could anyone say no, though?
I held her gaze with my own. “Tell me.”
Lucretia did falter. Our connection in that moment was by far the most intimate one I’d ever experienced. In her eyes, I saw every fear, every hope, and every possibility. “They say that for every choice we make, there is another version of ourselves that makes the one we didn’t pick. One of us went right instead of left. One of us said yes instead of no.”
“So, a version of myself has walked away from this conversation rather than listened to what you had to say?” I teased.
“Yes.” Such a big statement. Said so matter of factly too.
I smiled then. “Glad in this world I’m smart.”
Chapter Eight
Interlude Two
The way Lucretia explained the multiverse was so perfect. Too bad Trevor didn’t have that same way with words.
“Wait, so then how many universes are there?” Delia asked. “And how do they all coexist at the same time? It doesn’t make any sense!”
“You’re overthinking it,” Trevor mumbled.
Was she, though?
The answers to her questions were simple. There are an infinite amount of parallel universes. They coexist because the universe is ever expanding and mind bogglingly huge. It isn’t so much that the theory is difficult to understand as it is too wild to believe. Certain versions of the world handle the revelation better than others.
Delia gazed down, so sadly. “Maybe I am.”
“None of that matters anyway. What matters is that it’s true.”
“And that’s how a place like Point Epoch can exist! I’d heard about all of the alternate worlds in history class, but it’s a topic that’s brushed over a lot.”
Trevor nodded. “Because it was…he…who made this place the way it is.”
“I’m assuming you’re getting to that part.” She leaned forward in obvious excitement.
He nodded solemnly, like his dog had just been shot. “It started with a spell.”
Chapter Nine
Backtrack
Lucretia took a great deal of time to answer everything. She never got irritated or talked down to me, no matter how deep or personal my questions got.
“So how did you get here?” I asked. “What was your old home like?”
“I come from a world where magic is commonplace.” She gazed down at her hands. We were both sitting on the log again. A huge weight seemed to be lifted off her shoulders. I’d only see her this free one more time. To prove that she actually had magic, she drew the moonlight into a small sphere of energy in her hands. “When you move to a new world, you don’t change who you are. Everything you’ve been gifted with at birth is still there. My magic isn’t evil, simply a tool.”
“You were born this way then?” My eyes were fixed on the beautiful ball of light she held. To say I was awestruck is an understatement. There might not be a word in the English language that properly conveys just how amazed I felt when I saw true magic for the first time.
Lucretia cradled the ball, smiling sadly. “Where I’m from, magic is indeed a gift. While it might be common, it’s not something anyone is born with naturally. In some worlds, though, it is. Where I’m from, we are given magic when we pledge allegiance to one of the gods. They call themselves gods, but they’re actually super powered mortals. Longer life, hard to kill, and constantly trying to outdo one another. It’s a game for them.”
I frowned, thinking over her words. “Are you one of the playing pieces?”
“Of course, I am.” She chuckled. “Every human is, and every human is expected to make their declaration by the time they turn eighteen. I didn’t choose according to my parents’ expectations, though. I wanted to follow my heart, and it resulted in my being outcast.”
“Wait, but then…” I shook my head. “Aren’t your parents with you now?”
She shook her head. “No, they’re guardians given to me by my lord. You’d know him as Hades. I believe that is the name he goes by on this world. My life was in danger because of my supposed betrayal. He has blessed me with another chance at life here. With conditions…”
“Of course,” I muttered.
“I’m a game piece, and he is the player. My move must benefit him in some way,” she said gently. “It is his hope that he can create a place where the worlds may converge freely. A place that can be a refuge for others who are outcast like myself. A place where he can harness his power and overtake the current winners of the game.”
I nodded, listening intently. “Why do we not want them to win the game over Hades?”
At that point, I had to tune out my logical side. Because logic could not piece all of those parts of the puzzle together. My imagination and heart, on the other hand, were open to believing in what so many would consider to be impossible. Logic and I had plans to reconnect later, though. I had no intention of going into the situation blinded by her womanly charms.
Lucretia took the time to think over my question, and I appreciated that. Made it clear she had every intention of giving me a true answer.
She rubbed the palms of her hands over her thighs. “Hades, in my opinion, is the most grounded and realistic of his kind. It’s because his natural magic is tied to the cycle of life and death. It isn’t full of glamor, and it can’t be used superfluously. He does nothing unless it has a purpose. I admire that. If anyone is going to be in charge of a universe, it should be someone who cares about something else besides looking good.”
“He wants to do something real with his power,” I summarized.
“I want to believe so.” She gave me a weak smile. “Part of being here is blending in. Nothing about this world is the same. The clothes, the culture, it’s all so strange. This town was chosen because of its connection to so many worlds. There’s a disruption in the forces that keep them separated. This is a prime location. I’m to establish roots here.”
“Thus, your guardians are pushing you into finding a suitable spouse…” I couldn’t help but laugh.
Lucretia got quiet for a moment, then shook her head. “They aren’t pushing me into a marriage, necessarily. However, cultural normalities show that I should be on the lookout for a husband. One who is appropriate in standing, and I need to do so at a good age for marriage before I’m labeled undesirable and too old. Blending in is essential, William. It’s the number one priority for the time being.”
“A shame,” I said. “It doesn’t sound like the way you would prefer to blend in.”
“It’s not. I’d rather not be married; however, they’ve agreed to meet you and give you a chance. When I tell them we’ve had this conversation, they will be even more in favor o
f the idea…” Her gaze met mine then, and I could see her cheeks flush with heat under the light of the rising sun.
Wait, the sun was rising? I uttered a curse. “I need to get home! If my father finds out I’ve been out all night here…”
“Will you come to the party? So, they can meet you? My guardians?”
I leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Nothing will make me miss it.”
Chapter Ten
Ultimatums
I ran home, focusing on the fact that my father would definitely kill me if he discovered I’d snuck out all night rather than the one where Lucretia said she’d marry me even though she hardly knew me. All of that other stuff we talked about in regards to magic and other worlds and the games of gods felt like a dream. If I wasn’t fully aware of the burning in my lungs while I ran, I’d write the whole thing off as a figment of my imagination.
Just as the rooster crowed, I ran into my yard. Rather than go straight inside, I started on the day’s chores. Dad got up with that stupid bird every morning, and I had to play my next few moves carefully. He’d notice my being missing soon. Just as I finished feeding the chickens, he came rushing outside.
“William!” His fists were clenched and his eyes were full of pure rage. “Where…” He frowned as he got closer. “What are you doing out here so early?”
“Couldn’t sleep.” Still the truth! “I’ve been struggling with sleep in general. Rather than lie in bed and waste time, I thought I’d get started. Is there a problem?”
My father’s gaze remained narrowed for a long time. “Why aren’t you sleeping well?”
“That girl from the Delorne family has been occupying my mind.” I held up a hand to stop him from speaking because I knew he’d only try to rebuke me. “She’s pretty. She’ll be hard to get over. I understand your hesitations about her family, but I would like you to at least consider giving them a chance. Have you heard their side of the story? Or only rumors?”
Dad sighed, low and heavy. Very dramatic, even for him. “My source of information is a solid one.”
“I don’t deny that, I’m only asking. You’ve always told me to look for the truth thoroughly—”
He growled. “And you should be trusting my judgment when I say to stay away from her!”
“She’s pretty!” That was the only defense I had for my feelings that wouldn’t give away that we’d spoken. “Giving up on her…it’s…she likes me too…”
My father and I were never the type to have heart to heart talks. Those I saved for my mother. When his expression softened, it shocked me on a whole other level. His hands relaxed and he shoved them into his pants pockets. “That’s how women like her ensnare you. They use their beauty to captivate you, to bring you to the point of obsession. Then everything they say will seem like honey. Pure, sweet, perfect. There’s a reason I told you to not talk to her anymore! That’s why. No, I will not consider giving her or her family a chance! If she can bewitch you, she will try to do the same to me.”
“She would not do such a thing,” I snapped.
“And you know this how?” he challenged.
I didn’t say anything. Lie through omission, I suppose. But that’s different than speaking falsehoods. Nothing I said would help anyway. When he got on a roll, he couldn’t be stopped.
So, I let him keep talking.
“William, I know you don’t have a high opinion of me. I’ve tried my best to raise you in the way I should. For you to grow into a man of honor and who works hard.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Believe me when I say that I will not allow you back in our house if I find you with that woman. I refuse to be a part of their spectacle.”
I faced away from him, so I could return to my chores. “Understood.”
He placed a hand on my shoulder. “I hope so.”
Chapter Eleven
The Fight for Love
Dad saying Lucretia bewitched me wasn’t too far from the truth, though I don’t think any black magic ever got involved in the process. Somewhere, some world, there is a version of me who listened to his words and kept away. I pity that guy a lot. That “me.” Such a waste.
I had a lot to think about, though. Dad didn’t give empty threats. When he said he’d disown me, he’d do it, and I don’t think he’d have any regrets over it either. I didn’t let that tender touch on the shoulder fool me. About the most he cared about was his reputation. Why keep me away from her otherwise?
My choices were as follows: end things and move on—not going to happen. Keep seeing her in secret—a possibility I liked, secret romances are hot. Or I get Lucretia to take me in—the go big or go home route.
If her guardians liked me, they might show me sympathy and let me move into the mansion. Then Dad could kick me out, and it wouldn’t matter. I’d start my new life with Lucretia, and we’d have our happily ever after. Wording it like that makes it seem like some kind of pipe dream. I guess it was. It felt too logical, too easy, and too perfect...to resist! When things lined up so well, how could I resist?
Already, I had a plan formulating. The night of the party would be the night I began my new life with Lucretia. The only problem? My mom. I hated hurting her. No way would she leave my father, either. He had a lot of nerve, talking about Lucretia bewitching me when he must have done something similar to my mother. The pull he had on her...it never seemed natural. How could she love someone so terrible of her own free will?
I’ll save her later, I decided. First, I had to make sure Lucretia could get us both a secure place to live.
I did the presumptuous thing and packed as much of my life as I could fit into a bag. The night of the party, I threw on my suit and headed out the door. And no, I didn’t bother sneaking around to keep my father in the dark. I sauntered through the kitchen, fully blossomed into the confident man that I am today.
He did try to stop me, though.
Dad moved in front of the door, his gaze lingering on the bag I had slung over my shoulder. “I knew it. You’ve chosen to disobey me.”
“I asked you to listen to her side. You didn’t. She told me everything, and I don’t believe she’s as evil as you claim.” I tapped the strap of my bag with my free hand. “So yes, my decision is made. I’m all set to be away from you. Finally.”
“You’ve always been the most spiteful of my children,” he growled. “For some reason, I also thought you were the smartest.”
“That’s why I’m pathing my own way.”
He dared to raise his fist to me. There were plenty of times I’d let him get away with it growing up. Days where I should have fought back, yet never did out of fierce loyalty mixed with fear and self loathing. He was my father. The only future I had where I’d be able to cut ties with him completely was a future with Lucretia and her guardians. A future with magic. I trusted her blindly, for better or worse.
Chapter Twelve
A Leap
I watched as guest after guest approached the front door to be let into the party. They all laughed and greeted Lucretia or her guardians as though they were old friends. My stomach churned a little at the sight because I knew for a fact many of them had never said more than a word to any of her family before that moment. The Delornes had money, power, and intrigue. That’s what they cared about. I felt pretty dumb waiting off to the side, clutching my bag so tightly my knuckles were turning white. I wanted to be the last one to arrive.
Every time Lucretia closed the front door, she always looked around as if she expected more. Deep down, I knew she was looking for me.
She won’t turn you away. They’ll all understand. She knows you believe her. It’ll be okay.
Once the guest arrival flow started to lessen, I made my move. I walked up to the door and pulled on the bell. A loud chime rang. Lucretia, I need you to be the one who answers. Please.
She heard my silent prayer. Magic or luck. It didn’t matter. When she opened the grand front door, and her eyes lit up at the sight of me, every fear melted away. Her sm
ile lifted my spirits, and she actually reached out to hug me, breaking the rules for proper etiquette.
“I was beginning to wonder if you’d show,” she whispered. “After our conversation in the woods, I wouldn’t have been surprised if you got spooked and changed your mind.”
I shook my head. “Complete opposite reaction.” I bit my lip. “My father found out and he’s disowned me, much like he promised he would.”
“Oh...I had hoped perhaps he’d been bluffing.”
“He’s never been one to make an empty threat.” I forced a smile. “Honestly, it was only a matter of time before I left for one reason or another. The gamble is that I’ve packed up my life in the hopes that perhaps I could start one here. With you.” I then realized how presumptuous that sounded and added quickly, “You and your guardians, I mean. I’d been hoping that since you were shown so much compassion, they’d feel the same toward me. I would never assume anything between us. After all, we’ve only just met.”
Lucretia then led me into the house by the hand. The entryway was empty, so I didn’t feel as much like an idiot as I normally would have had there been an audience for my staring at the chandelier hanging over the massive foyer. She walked me toward the grand staircase along the back wall. “Let’s find a better place for your things. We can decide on what to do with you after the party is over. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.”
“I’d be able to enjoy the party more if I knew I’d be able to rest easily tonight.”
Her hand squeezed mine. “Everything will be okay. I told my guardians about our conversation and that you were one we could trust. They won’t turn you away from sheltering here. I can’t promise how long you’ll be allowed to stay, but I can promise tonight.”
There seemed to be more implied in those words. I tried to not read too much into them.
At the first free bedroom, Lucretia found, she took my bag to set it on the floor. She then gazed over me in my fantastic suit. “It’s good you came prepared. I was hoping to dance with you multiple times this evening.”
