Shadow Beings

20. The Land of The Valleys

Audrey's Perspective

I stared at the floor as my mind wandered to the possibilities.

It made no sense.

"Don't think about it right now, Audrey. I only told you because I had to tell you; Jay doesn't care enough about this. Now that you have the key you should get going to the next place, right? Call your friends up."

I nodded, smiling at Aurelia as she stood with a graceful posture, a casual expression on her face.

It was hard not to think about it, although there was already a lot on my mind and so I set it aside for the time being. I had to focus on retrieving the stone over all else.

I walked out through the door, reaching the railing and said, "Galen and Jack? Come to the fourth room on the second floor."

"Coming!" Jack called back, and I heard his hurried footsteps.

I was about to call Galen again before a familiar, calm aura appeared behind me, sending chilly propagations through me.

"Oh, you're already here. Had to turn invisible to surprise me, huh?"

"I didn't turn invisible."

I held my breath as he said that and my eyes widened slightly.

He's stealthy, but I've always noticed him, I thought with a hint of worry.

I took a deep breath, momentarily closing my eyes as I relaxed my shoulders, setting my mind free from the string of thoughts. I became more aware of my surroundings and the energy that ran through the land deepened within me, settling my energy. 

Focus on the present.

A smile came on my face as Galen rested his hand on my head, rubbing it slowly. I turned towards my right as Jack reached the top, barely panting with a relaxed smile on his face. The two complied with my hand's gesture, following me inside.

"Aurelia, this is my friend Galen, and my little brother Jack."

"That's only for the sake of introduction. I'm actually the older one," Jack said with an innocent smile and I scowled, turning my head away from him.

Aurelia chuckled, relaxing as she stood against the wall.

"I understand what you mean. My sister is much younger than I am, but it's evident that she behaves like the older one. Although I am taller than her, and you are taller than Audrey..."

I shot an unimpressed look at that one, causing Aurelia to chuckle again. It was a sound so light and dulcet that I couldn't help but smile.

We exchanged small introductions as made our way back to the orange wall where the three of us had arrived, leaving Aurelia by the entrance of the mansion. Her eyes gleamed ever-so-slightly and her aura dimmed as she headed back to where she was when she waited for me.

It's already been seven years... is her exile over or is it coming to a close?

The wall stood as large and vibrant as ever, though the writing now felt more within reach rather than something that was eternally esoteric.

"Communication time. Jack, you ask Holly about their situation yet, then I'll as the other group."

The shadow nodded, taking a deep breath as he became motionless. He closed his eyes and fell into deep concentration, his aura streamlining.

"I've got her," he said.

Galen and I stood silent with patience while the two had a quick conversation.