FALLEN PETALS

CHAPTER 39: TIME STANDS STILL

Storm stepped out of the underworld with Thorson and Revna at his side, the weight of their departure hanging heavy in the air. The children, their faces painted with disappointment, kept glancing back over their shoulders at the portal, hoping for one last glimpse of Lanecea and the world they were leaving behind.

As they emerged into the forest, they were met with an unexpected sight. Two large dryads moved into position, blocking the entrance to the underworld. Thorson and Revna exchanged confused looks, their young minds struggling to understand this new development.

"Dad, why are the dryads blocking the entrance?" Thorson asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Storm glanced at the dryads, their forms blending seamlessly with the ancient trees. He knew the dryads were fiercely loyal to Cernunnos, often acting as messengers between him and Lanecea, but now, they stood as sentinels, ensuring no one could re-enter the portal without permission.

"They're protecting the entrance," Storm explained, his tone firm. "It's their duty to ensure the underworld remains safe."

Revna's eyes widened as she noticed more dryads standing among the trees, their eyes twinkling with a mysterious light. One of them winked at her, a gesture of reassurance that lifted her spirits slightly.

"Look, Thorson," she whispered, nudging her brother. "They're watching over us."

Thorson managed a small smile, feeling a bit of the tension ease from his shoulders. "Yeah, I see them."

Storm's focus, however, remained sharp and unwavering. He knew he had to get home before Herja discovered his prolonged absence. The thought of facing his wife,  who was unaware of his timekeeper mistress, made his heart race with anxiety.

"Come on, we need to hurry," Storm urged, taking Thorson and Revna by the hand. "We can't keep your mother waiting."

The children nodded, their expressions a mix of resignation and understanding. They followed their father through the forest, their steps heavy with the weight of leaving Lanecea and the underworld behind.

As they walked, Storm couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. His heart was divided between his duty as a father and husband, and his love for Lanecea. He squeezed Thorson and Revna's hands determined to navigate the delicate balance of his intertwined lives.

In the shadows of the forest, the dryads watched silently, their presence a reminder of the hidden world just beyond the portal. They would continue to serve as guardians and messengers, bridging the gap between the realms and ensuring that the bonds forged in the underworld remained unbroken.

With each step, Storm moved closer to the life he had to return to, but the memories of Lanecea and the underworld would linger in his heart, a constant reminder of the love and duty that defined his existence.

****

Storm and the children emerged from the forest, their home in sight. Just as they reached the edge of the driveway, they saw Herja's car pulling in. Storm's heart raced as he braced himself for the inevitable confrontation. They had been in Paris for over a year and he knew he had a lot of explaining to do.

"Stay close," Storm whispered to Thorson and Revna. The children looked up at him, their expressions a mix of apprehension and relief. They hadn't been looking forward to facing their mother either.

Herja stepped out of the car, her face lighting up when she saw them. "There you are! I was just about to call you. Where have you been?"

Storm blinked, confusion washing over him. He had expected anger, questions - maybe even accusations, but Herja seemed completely unfazed.