“Those from the earth realm posed no real threat and would be able to enter the paranormal realm anytime, virtually. And those from the paranormal realm were allowed access to the earth’s realm through dreams or with temporary passes to carry out a necessary act. But they had to undergo a vigorous screening process.
“Beings and humans born on opposite sides had to abide by the guidelines of that side. There are rules in place to assure things function properly and watchers who enforce this. Trinity, Rose, and now us, we’re a part of the enforcement efforts. We hunt down violators and return them to their proper place.”
“You’re kidding me.” She looks slightly stunned.
“Unfortunately, not. But the creator has gone missing. Or should I say, his essence has. Mortals and immortals alike are being trapped here against their will. So far, you’re the only one who may be able to go back and forth between worlds. We suspect you can. Rose is very confident in your abilities. However, if this is so, your gift might also be your curse. Winter, the bus attack was orchestrated.”
I’m trying to get a take on what she’s thinking. She glances at me and turns away, pressing her fist to her mouth. The next time she looks up at me, her brows are furrowed, and I can tell she’s about to let me have it.
“Are you telling me these beings are after me? That’s crazy. You’re all crazy. I was brought here on a hope. Nobody knows if I can do anything other than toss around some furniture. So, I’m here to bring you all back? What if I can’t? Then you just put my life at risk for no reason.”
“No, babe. I would never allow that. Even if you end up stuck here, you’re better off. Vessels are being hunted down because they can cross over or be used as a portal. They were coming for you regardless, in this world or the one you’ve only known up until now. We need you to be prepared. And as much as we need you, you need us. Trust me, we’re going to get out of here, even if you can’t get us out.”
I walk over and kneel in front of her. “You don’t have to be a part of anything. I promise, I’m going to take care of you. I’ll never allow anything to happen to you.”
I touch her cheek and give her a weary smile. She’s listening, that’s the most important thing. I thought she’d be more resistant, but I’m glad she isn’t. We don’t have time to deal with a powerful angst witch, riddled with disbelief. Some of what she knew from the past must still be in there.
“The fabric that keeps the worlds apart is fractured. Evil is being unleashed into both worlds. There’s a battle of good versus evil going on between those who want to maintain order, and those against it. The half-breeds who attacked your bus, they’re against our strives to coexist peacefully.”
She trembles, and the color drains from her face. I reach for her hand, but she draws away and stands.
She scratches her head and starts to pace the floor. I wish I could help her process it all, but I can’t.
Standing off to the side, I give her some space. She stops in front of me and frowns.
“This is all too much. What do you expect me to do? I’m just one person. I don’t know how to harness my powers. Until today I haven’t been able to do any of the things I did as a child. I’m useless and dangerous. I didn’t want to throw furniture at you. That happened on its own.”
“Let’s not forget, you’re the one who put everything back. That was you controlling your abilities, Winter, so don’t sell yourself short. Like I said before, your powers are stronger here. With Rose’s help, you will learn to control it.”
Chapter Eight
My head feels as if it’s going to explode. How is it even possible that they expect me to save the worlds? If I have Roman right, I’m to stop two worlds from colliding, causing total devastation, here and in my world, by repairing a rip I’m not sure I even believe exists. I’m totally good with all this and there’s no pressure, right? Absolutely not.
Roman mentioned Paranormal Realms. Maybe I’m still in their sterile building, trapped in my own head, until I see this virtual adventure through to the end. This definitely has Soraya’s name written all over it. Either way, real or not, I have tasks to perform if I’m ever to get out of this insanity. But, can I even trust myself to know the difference?
Making love to Roman sure as hell felt real. I wish that was all I had to think about…us. If this is actually happening, it means Roman and I have a chance of being together again. But it also means everything else I’ve seen and been told, exists.
I steal a glance at Roman. He believes this is legitimate and if he does, shouldn’t that be good enough for me? If he’s really stuck here, and I can get him out, I’m going to. Rose, Soraya, and even Caleb, I’ll help them all.
So, Rose had Bellamy take my powers; it was a good thing. It gave me fifteen years of peace, of feeling like a normal kid. I didn’t miss the ghosts, red eyes, or other entities that haunted me. I was relieved they were gone.
My mom and I had become closer and for the first time, we were a regular family, doing mother and daughter things. I guess I owe everyone who contributed to my fifteen years free of supernatural occurrences. Roman says they’ve all made sacrifices. Were those sacrifices made to keep me safe? Had their lives taken similar paths?
I have more questions than answers. I need clarity. I need to know exactly what’s expected of me. What’s my role in this? I need the big picture, a road map, guide, or something. Perhaps I shouldn’t take it all so seriously, but the world ending is kind of a big deal.
“Where are the others? Maybe they should come back inside and spell this all out for me. I doubt if I can help, but I’m willing to give it my best shot. I’m still not 100 percent certain what to make of everything you’ve said, but I can see you believe it, so does Soraya, and I believe in you two.”
Roman looks relieved as if he had some doubt I’d help them. Doesn’t he know I’d do anything for him and Soraya? I wish I could say within reason, but I can’t because I’m not sure what’s reasonable. What I am certain of is my love. Roman’s next words confirm what I’m thinking.
“You know if there was any other way, Winter, I wouldn’t have involved you. We’ve been here so long because I wouldn’t agree to you coming. Rose came to assess the damage. When she didn’t return, I went after her. Caleb came looking for me, which is how he got here. Soraya received word from Trinity, who received a tip from Bellamy. She had a vision we were trapped somewhere but couldn’t see where until recently.”
“Okay,” I say, still trying to wrap my brain around it all.
“I’ll get the others. Rose will explain it better than me. To be honest, even though I’ve been here six months, I’m still coming to terms with everything. My mind has been preoccupied with what I left behind. Each day’s been a battle filled with regret. I asked myself if leaving you was the right thing to do? And I’m able to live with my actions because the answer is always yes. It was to protect you, and I’ll always choose your life over everything else. If I would have stayed, you would have been discovered. Trackers were on to us, and I wasn’t going to lead them to you.”
He doesn’t wait for me to reply or ask him what he means. He’s out the door, calling for the others to join us. It kills me to know that while he was here risking his life, I was back home, judging him and wishing we had never met.
Caleb is the first back in the room. He sniffs the air and looks at me with disgust. “He leaves you for half a year and all it takes is a smile and a few ‘babys’, and you lose the elastic in your panties. So much for loved him. Seems to me, the present tense is more accurate. You’re weak, Winter, and you’ll always be weak where Roman’s concerned.”
Grunting some obscenities, he shakes his head and lets out a short, sarcastic laugh.
I won’t allow his remark to get the better of me. I really would like to send him flying backward, with him landing on his ass, but I won’t. Words alone will be enough to get under his skin.