"You mean we still have to travel to get my sister and her friends back?" Allie’s voice held a mix of shock and disbelief as she watched Maia unfold a large, intricately detailed map. Her eyes followed Maia’s fingers tracing closed-off passages, save for a singular path leading toward a kingdom—her late mother’s homeland.
"Yes, Allie," Maia replied, her tone firm yet reassuring.
"How long will we be traveling?" Allie asked, almost dreading the answer.
"Three months. With no planes available here, we’ll be taking the journey by land," Maia informed her.
Allie sighed, glancing at the daunting route on the map. "Are you telling me there’s no faster way? No… giant eagles or something?"
Everyone in the room turned to Tam, who had interrupted with a playful smirk.
"Sorry, Tam," Maia chuckled, shaking her head. "There are no giant eagles. There used to be dragons in ancient times, but they've long since vanished."
Allie glanced at her grandmother, concern shadowing her face. "Will we be safe there?" she whispered.
Her grandmother reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I’ll send word to your aunt to ensure your safe passage. She’s the queen, and no one would dare harm her niece."
"Does she know about me?" Allie asked.
Maia nodded. "She’s known for years. Your mother’s sacrifice didn’t go unnoticed, and your aunt has been waiting, certain that someday, you’d return."
Just then, Maricar, Allie’s sister, stepped up, her expression filled with determination. "Allie, don’t worry about us. Zen told us about the difference in time here and back home. I’m sure Mom and Dad will be fine until we return."
Allie gave a small nod, though she couldn’t shake the pang of guilt about her parents. She turned to Maia. "Can we leave as soon as possible?"
Zen nodded. "Two vehicles are prepared and ready for the journey."
"But before that, Alessandra," her grandmother interjected, "you must see something. The kingdom awaits."
---
As they traveled, Allie gazed out the vehicle’s window, her heart warming at the sight of joyful townsfolk bustling in the streets. People were laughing, greeting one another, and even using magic to clean and beautify their surroundings. It was a stark contrast to the ghostly, desolate scene she had encountered upon her arrival in this world.
"They’re so happy," Maia observed with a soft smile beside her.
Allie’s gaze remained on the vibrant scene before them. "I didn’t think I could bring hope back to them… not after everything that happened to my mother." She paused, her heart aching.
"Your mother’s memory lives on here. You’ve restored their hope, Allie," Maia replied gently. "We’ll reach the next kingdom by tomorrow morning," she added, sensing Allie’s lingering thoughts.
Allie nodded, looking at Maricar and Rainier seated across from them. Maricar had fallen asleep, her head nestled on Rainier’s shoulder. It was hard to believe he had been gravely ill just days ago. Now, he was animatedly chatting with her sister.
"Are you jealous?" Maia’s voice teased beside her.
Allie turned, catching her eye with a thoughtful look before shaking her head. "I’m just happy they’re connecting. Maybe Rainier just hasn’t realized he’s actually falling for her."
As the vehicle rolled out of the kingdom’s borders, a sense of belonging began to take root in her heart. She could feel the kingdom calling to her as if it was part of her. But was she ready to embrace it?
"This is your home too, Allie," Maia whispered, as if reading her thoughts. "Your kingdom. My home is your home."
---
When the group finally disembarked, Zen gestured to a large house on the edge of the road, its warm lights shining through the night. "We’ll stay here for the night," she announced.
"Is it safe?" Allie asked, glancing at the dark surroundings.
Rollieh gave a curt nod before shifting into her werewolf form. She sprinted off to scout the area, followed closely by Jhosie, who did the same.
---
They stepped into the house.
"It looks deserted," Tam commented, glancing around at the empty interior. "Is this… a lodging house?"
Maia studied the space. "There’s no sign outside, but it does seem to be one."
"I need to pee," Tam muttered, stepping outside before anyone could respond. "Good thing I’m not a girl, or this would be more complicated," he whispered to himself with a chuckle.
He wandered a short distance away, finding a discreet spot. Just as he was about to relieve himself, a loud, feral cry shattered the silence.
Tam froze in place as his heart pounded in fear. In the shadows, he saw a pair of fiery red eyes, and from those eyes emerged the hulking form of a monstrous dog, its teeth gleaming in the dim light. As the creature approached, saliva dripped from its jaws, its eyes locked on him.
Tears welled up in Tam’s eyes as he felt his legs give way. He wanted to scream, but his voice wouldn’t obey. He was sure this was the end.
In a swift, silent moment, the beast’s head was suddenly severed from its body, falling to the ground with a dull thud. Tam’s knees buckled, and as he began to collapse, a pair of strong arms caught him.
"I’ve got you," a deep, reassuring voice said.
In his haze of fear and tears, Tam looked up to see the face of his savior—a ruggedly handsome man with striking features and a serious expression.
---
Inside the house, Kim, Allie, and the others watched anxiously as the stranger carried Tam inside. He was a towering figure, covered in tattoos and sporting a stoic, focused expression, his clothes still stained with blood from the creature he had slain.
As Tam regained consciousness, his friends crowded around him. "Tammy, are you okay?" Kim asked, her voice trembling.
Tam blinked, taking in his surroundings. When his eyes met those of his rescuer, he felt his cheeks flush. "Holy… he’s hot," he mumbled, his usual flirty self quickly resurfacing.
"Are you serious right now?" Kim laughed, exasperated but relieved.
Tam grinned, giving his hero an admiring once-over. "I mean, look at him!"
Allie approached, smiling. "Feeling better, Tam?"
He nodded, still dazed but grinning. "Yeah, thanks to… uh… what’s your name?" he asked his rescuer, unable to hide the awe in his voice.
"Lloyd," the man replied with a small smirk.
Tam’s face lit up. "Lloyd. See, everyone, he even has a macho name," he said with a wink.
---
Allie and Maia turned to Lloyd, who explained that he’d found the owner of the house devoured by creatures earlier that evening. With everyone too weary to continue, they decided to stay the night and continue at dawn.
As they settled in, Maia made an announcement. "Lloyd will be joining us. He’s a hunter, and he’s headed in the same direction."
"A hunter?" Maricar asked, curious.
"In this world, some people don’t possess magic; we call them humans," Maia explained.
"Then… what does that make you?" Tam asked Lloyd with a cheeky grin.
Lloyd smirked. "Just a guy who’s good at killing monsters."
Tam giggled. "Just my type."
As his friends laughed and teased him, Allie glanced out the window at the vast landscape, feeling her destiny calling her forward. Whatever awaited them on this journey, she was ready.
YOU ARE READING
𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏- 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇
Fantasy(FULL ENGLISH VERSION) An eighteen-year-old girl is transported to another world-a world on the brink of collapse, and only she holds the key to saving it. ***** Allie was just an ordinary teenage girl. Though she didn't always get along with her si...
