A World Between Realms

Close to you

"Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near? Just like me, they long to be close to you..."

Sophie sat cross-legged on the bed of her cramped flat in London, a world away from the wide skies of New Mexico. Books and unpacked boxes surrounded her—a clear sign of a recent move. Her hand brushed against her old iPod, a relic she'd brought across continents. She powered it on, selecting a recording that always comforted her: a duet with her late grandfather.

Recording: "On the day that you were born, the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true..."

Closing her eyes, Sophie let the familiar tune take her back—sunlit days with her best friend Lia, her grandparents' love, and the desert skies streaked in fiery color.

A knock at the door snapped her out of the memory.

Jenny (from the doorway): "Sophie! Are you ready? We can't miss the castle tour!"

Sophie grabbed her bag, forgetting the still-playing iPod nestled in her coat. "Coming, Jen!"

Their history class had arranged a visit to an old castle on London's outskirts. The towering spires loomed under grey skies, ravens circling above like guardians of forgotten secrets. As they crossed through the heavy oak doors, Sophie joked, "Can you imagine dusting this place?" Her classmates laughed, her lightness easing the gloom.

But soon, Sophie found herself straying. A narrow corridor beckoned, ending in a plain, ancient door unlike the others. Strange carvings shimmered faintly in the dim light.

Jenny's voice called behind her, but Sophie barely heard it. She reached for the doorknob—then dropped her iPod. It skidded beneath the door, music blaring.

She bent to retrieve it, her fingers brushing the carvings.

Click.

The latch gave way.

The door creaked open, revealing not a room, but a swirling vortex of light and color. The song continued, eerily fitting: "...to create a dream come true..."

Before she could react, the portal pulled her in.

⸻

Sophie landed on a forest floor blanketed in golden leaves, the air thick with the scent of autumn and something sweetly unfamiliar. She staggered upright, heart racing, eyes wide.

"Where am I?" she whispered.

A figure emerged from the trees—a young man in medieval garb, eyes wide in disbelief.

"How didst thou open the ancient portal?" he demanded.

Sophie backed away. "I—I don't know. I touched the door of a castle... and then I was here."

The man's confusion mirrored hers. "A castle, thou sayest? And now... Navaria. This is troubling."

"Navaria?" Sophie echoed, stunned.

"I am Ealdred," he said, more solemn now. "Tasked to guard the portal this moment. But never has one opened of its own accord."

Panic welled up in Sophie. "I need to get back. I have to go home."

Ealdred nodded grimly. "Only the elders may know what hath caused this."

They boarded a nearby carriage—ornate, regal, like something from a fairy tale—and began their journey through the glowing, surreal landscape. Sophie stared out the window, overwhelmed. Trees shimmered, mountains floated in the distance, and the sky glowed in colors she couldn't name.

Ealdred finally broke the silence. "The veil between worlds may be weakening. Thy arrival could mean more than mere chance."

Sophie's voice trembled. "Is it dangerous? For your world—or mine?"

"We do not yet know," he said. "But we will protect thee."

As they entered a village of radiant stone homes, Navarians paused to stare. At the heart of the village stood the Hall of Elders.

Inside, the air was cool and fragrant with herbs. At a long stone table sat robed figures who turned as Sophie entered.

Under her breath, she muttered to Ealdred, "It's like stepping into a fantasy film... or a Harry Potter scene."

The elders heard. Their expressions shifted—from curiosity to confusion.

Ealdred bowed. Sophie imitated him awkwardly.

"Elders," he announced, "I bring an Earthling—Sophie. She arrived through the portal, unbidden."

The eldest among them, a silver-haired woman with piercing eyes, leaned forward.

"Tell us, child. How camest thou to Navaria?"

Sophie took a deep breath and began her story—hoping these ancient beings could help her find a way home.