Twilight of Realities: Worlds Collide

Chapter 13: An Unexpected Guide

Liam returned after a few minutes, his expression a mix of urgency and determination. "Come on," he said, motioning for the others to follow him. "I found someone who can help us."

The group stepped outside the hidden refuge to see an elderly man waiting, dressed in a tattered cloak that seemed to blend with the shadows of the forest. His eyes, sharp and penetrating, scanned them with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

Before Liam could introduce him, Lyra whispered, almost to herself, "is he, Grandfather?"

Liam turned, raising an eyebrow. "What did you say?"

Lyra shook her head quickly, disbelief evident in her eyes. "Nothing, I—nothing."

Liam nodded, though suspicion lingered in his gaze. "This is Master Everett. He's agreed to help us."

Everett nodded curtly. "I came because Astrion called me. He has done me many favours."

Liam interjected, "We aren't exactly friends."

Everett's gaze hardened. "Then why do you bother helping?"

Liam faltered. "I mean—maybe I was wrong. Master Everett, can you help us?"

The old man sighed, a stern expression settling on his face. "What is it that you need? If it's something within my power, I might assist."

Maya, unable to contain her curiosity, asked, "Master, why were you hiding yourself from everyone? How did he find you?"

Everett's eyes narrowed. "You must choose what you want to accomplish first. Do you want me to answer your questions or help with your matter?"

Liam spoke up, his voice steady. "Lyra and her brother want to go back to Earth. They aren't magical Aetherian beings. As for what we know, you know how to get to Earth."

Everett paused, considering their request. "No, I can't help. Sorry." He turned to leave, his cloak billowing behind him.

Lyra stepped forward, desperation in her voice. "But why? Please help me. I don't want my friends to be in trouble because of me. I—I'll do as you please. Please tell me how to go back."

Everett stopped and turned, a hint of a smile on his lips. "As you please, hmm? Fine then. Bring me the artifact."

Lyra's eyes widened. "What? How can we find it?"

Liam shook his head. "No one knows where it is."

Everett's smile turned into a grim line. "It will be easier for you to find because some of you are deeply connected with it. You have two days. After that, the spellbook will no longer be able to send you back."

Lyra's voice trembled. "How many days do we have left?"

"Maybe two," Everett replied. "Find the spellbook and the artifact before the time runs out."

"But where is the artifact?" Lyra pleaded.

Everett's gaze softened slightly. "No one finds something without searching. If you try, it will come to you."

Liam sighed. "I should take my leave. Good luck."

As he turned to go, Everett's voice stopped him. "Astrion, you are also connected to this. Don't you wonder about our dreams, the strange voices?"

Liam's eyes widened. "What? How do you know about them?"

Ignoring his question, Everett covered his head with his cloak and walked into the forest, disappearing from sight.