Portal of shadows

Chapter 2: The Unknown world

Alex Pov 

I tried to pull the vine as hard as I could, but it was tough because it was quite large. I closed my eyes for a moment and gave it another tug, then suddenly, the vine felt much lighter. When I opened my eyes, I saw Nightshade had cut the vine. I reached out to grab his hand, but I was too late—the portal closed swiftly.

A mix of emotions surged through me—anger, sadness, loneliness. Frustration took over, and I grabbed Nightshade, trying to choke him in a moment of rage. His face turned blue as he managed to gasp out a few words.

"BRING THEM BACK!!" I shouted, tears streaming down my face.

"I...can't...bring...them...back," he struggled to say. I let him go, my fury momentarily appeased.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T?!" I retorted, punching a tree to vent my pain. The massive tree crashed to the ground, startling the birds.

Nightshade's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what?! She said you didn't have magical abilities...how did you make that 10-foot tree fall?" His fear was palpable, his words shaky.

"Yes, I don't have magical abilities, but I can destroy you with my bare hands, and I will if you don't cooperate. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, so talk," I demanded.

"I don't know how to bring people back. My main ability is with Earth. I don't know where or when they go—it could be a different time or world. I'm telling the truth," he sobbed in fear.

I sighed deeply. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you." I cuffed his hands and led him back to the station. 

After finally more than two years or even more, we finally captured him, but what was the cost? We lost so many children and the only best friend that I ever knew-My wife.

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•☽────✧˖°˖

Leonora Pov

It had been very dark for a few days. I couldn't even see my own body during that time. By now, I was used to being alone, as if I had entered a room with no light, nothing—just emptiness. Eventually, a bright light appeared, and I emerged from the darkness. I felt the cool air of the world, and with each movement, I ventured into the unknown, guided by an unseen force toward the light. 

As I looked around, I was held in the arms of a woman I didn't recognize. I tried my hardest to remember if I knew her, but my memory failed me. She was dressed in hospital scrubs, while the man next to her wore casual clothes. I tried to communicate with them, but they responded with remarks like "Aww, look at her smile" and "She's so cute." Who were they to treat me like a baby? I am 25! You idiots! I tried to tell them that I came from another world, but they didn't understand. 

Eventually, I was placed in the back seat of a car. I tried to observe my surroundings, but all I saw was a child around 14 or 15 years old. I attempted to communicate, but he stared out the window the entire ride. So, I stopped trying, realizing communication wasn't a priority in this family.  

After months of this "child treatment," it became a routine, and the best part was that you could get away with anything if you were a kid. I did as I pleased, ate what I wanted, and still got away with it. I behaved well around my parents and their guests, but I loved teasing my brother for fun. I helped him with his homework by hinting at answers since no one could hear me.

Learning to walk was incredibly challenging; it felt as though I had no bones. Crawling was easier. Today was one of those holidays when everyone was home for a few weeks, and I could play pranks on anyone. I went to my "new parents'" room to prank Felix, knowing his girlfriend would visit today. I wanted to play a trick on him and grabbed some lipstick and perfume.

As I prepared, I caught sight of myself in the mirror and was shocked. No wonder they couldn't hear me. I was only four months old! I wanted to cry out loud and return to my normal life. I wanted to go back to the world I knew, where magic happened. After finally discovering what I wanted to do in life and dreaming of starting a family, I ended up like this? THIS? Trapped in the body of a child, robbed of my normal life!

I tried to hold back my tears as I carried out the prank, which was admittedly a bit wicked. I applied lipstick to my lips and grabbed the shirt he was planning to wear. It was a cherished piece, reserved for special occasions. I kissed the collar multiple times and sprayed some perfume on it. Knowing she would arrive soon, I returned to my parents' room, put everything back, and wiped off my lipstick. I waited in my parents' room, which is next to the living room. Wait a minute, wait a minute....aaaand action.

After a while, she arrived and greeted him with a gift of course meant for me. I heard them hug. Then, suddenly, I heard her yelling. "Felix, why do you have another woman's perfume and lipstick on your collar?" she accused. She assumed he had been unfaithful, even though he was under 19 years old. "Seriously, Felix, you're cheating on me! I can't believe this! You're the worst boyfriend I've ever had. I hope your other girlfriend treats you better! I came all this way and spent so much gas just to find out you're cheating on me?" she continued, "This is why I cheated on you with your best friends—seven times! And dating you was just a dare!"

Her admission infuriated me. How could she do that to Felix? I like to prank him, but discovering she was disloyal and had cheated on Felix seven times was appalling. She needs serious help. As she stormed down the hallway toward the main door, I did something risky. I crawled out of my parents' room and stood in front of her while she looked backward. She tripped and fell, and though I pretended to cry, it hurted alot; but it was worth it.

"By the way, if you want to be a good boyfriend, try not to have kids or younger siblings around," she said, picking me up and handing me to Felix in fraustration. She kinda deserved it.  Felix began to sob as he held me in his arms. I tried to wipe his tears away and offered him a comforting smile. 

That seemed to cheer him up a bit. I knew the breakup was my fault, but she shouldn't have cheated on him. She should have at least been honest with him. I would never do something as hurtful as that. I felt bad for him and wanted to cheer him up. I ended up pointing to the freezer, which had ice cream, a bowl, and a spoon. He got them out and we sat down on the couch, eating snacks and watching a movie.

"I don't need any women in my life. Women are terrible," Felix muttered. "Even my own mother prefers you, and I'm jealous of that. But at least you understand me best." He hugged me tightly. It felt nice to have a brother, as I didn't have much experience with family. My parents were on vacation for a few days, so we had the house to ourselves. They were supposed to return that evening, but I wasn't sure what time they would get back. Eventually, Felix and I fell asleep on the couch and didn't hear a thing afterward.