Washed Away

Chapter 19 - Escape!

I'M BACK, BABY!!

I got motivated by some lovely comments and managed to type up this bad-boy for you guys!

However, I have a feeling that you'll hate me by the end of it. Apologies in advance! Xx

*_*_*

My head whipped round so fast that I was surprised I didn't give myself whiplash as I stared into the furthest corner of the room. My heart almost seemed to cease beating as my eyes zeroed onto a particular jar which the voice has emanated from. I sensed Ky tugging on my arm and calling out to me, but his voice sounded like he was underwater. I gently pulled away from his grasp and approached the soul which had called out to me. Time appeared to stop as I reached out and gently stroked the glass surface of the illuminated jar. A strong thrum vibrated my fingertips and a warmth seeped into my bloodstream as I wrapped my hand around the jar and slowly lifted it up. The soul pulsed in time to my heart beat and wisps of tendrils floated around the inside of the jar.

Laney...

That voice... it was so familiar...

Laney... my beautiful little girl...

The one person who had only ever called me that was‒‒

“Elaina!” Ky shouted, seizing my shoulder and spinning me around to face him. “Are you alright?”

“My mum.” I sobbed, tears spilling down my face as I clasped the jar tightly to my chest. “This is my mum.”

Ky's death-grip on my shoulders loosened until his hands just simply rested there. Without warning, one of them slid up to the back of my head and he pulled me into a warm hug, his other hand moving to lay on the small of my back. My tears soaked his warm skin as my mum's soul continued to pulse between our chests. 

“How...?” Ky whispered, his breath ticking my neck.

I had a sudden vision of the river and the bridge which my mother had spent her last moments on. Shadows had seemed to swamp around the scene and as I watched, my mother got swept away into the dark forms. It all suddenly made sense.

“The Shadows were there the day my mum died.” I replied, sniffing. “They must've gotten through the portal into my world.”

“I had no idea that the portal even existed all those years ago.” Ky said, his hand gently rubbing my back as my sobs subsided. “Elaina, I am so sorry.”

“It's not your fault.”

“That portal had caused nothing but trouble ever since it was first created.” Amara stated as she came to stand next to us. “I am sorry Elaina, but I think that it is best if the portal gets closed as soon as possible. For our world and yours.”

“Amara...” Caelia murmured. “I do not think that this is the best time and place for this conversation.”