𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟐

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟒

When i opened my eyes, it was warm and dark, like being wrapped in a soft, protective blanket. The rhythmic sound of a heartbeat surrounds me, steady and reassuring, like a lullaby that never ends. I feel weightless, floating in a gentle, fluid embrace that cushions me from any harm.

Where am i?

In this warm, dark sanctuary, time seems to lose its meaning. There are no days or nights, no hours ticking by. Instead, everything blends into a continuous, soothing rhythm. The steady heartbeat and the gentle flow of amniotic fluid create a timeless lullaby that envelops me.

Moments stretch and merge, each one indistinguishable from the next. It’s a place where the concept of time fades away, replaced by a constant sense of being. I feel only the present, a serene now that is unbroken by the passage of minutes or hours.

In this cocoon of safety and warmth, I am free from the constraints of time. I exist in a state of pure presence, where every moment is simply an extension of the last, and the future is a distant, unformed idea.

Again, where am i?

As I sense the time to leave this warm, dark sanctuary approaching, a wave of mixed emotions washes over me. There’s a deep sense of attachment to this place of ultimate comfort and safety, where I’ve felt so protected and nurtured. The thought of leaving this cocoon is both exciting and daunting.

I feel a twinge of sadness at the idea of parting from the rhythmic heartbeat that has been my constant companion, the gentle fluid that has cradled me, and the serene, timeless existence I’ve known. This space has been my entire world for a while, and the unknown beyond its boundaries is both intriguing and intimidating.

Yet, there’s also a sense of anticipation and curiosity. What lies beyond this protective barrier? What new experiences and sensations await me?

Am I still inside the portal? It felt like so much time had passed, yet the journey seemed endless.

As I emerge from the warm, dark sanctuary, the first thing that strikes me is the light. It’s bright and intense, unlike anything I’ve ever known. My eyes, accustomed to the gentle darkness, instinctively squint against the sudden brilliance. The light is everywhere, filling my vision with a dazzling array of colors and shapes that are both fascinating and bewildering.

Along with the light comes a symphony of new sounds. The rhythmic heartbeat that once surrounded me is now replaced by a cacophony of noises. Voices, some soft and soothing, others loud and startling, fill the air. I hear the rustle of movement and  the gentle murmur of conversation. Each sound is distinct and clear, creating a rich tapestry of auditory sensations.

The air feels different too—cooler and more expansive. I can feel it on my skin, a gentle caress that contrasts with the warm fluid that once enveloped me. My senses are flooded with new experiences, each one more vivid and intense than the last.

Despite the initial shock, there’s a sense of wonder and curiosity. This new world is vast and full of possibilities, and I am eager to explore it. The light and sound, though overwhelming at first, gradually become familiar, guiding me into this new chapter of existence.

I'm out of the portal now.

"Abomination!"

I turned to look at the man who shouted. He was dressed in a long white robe with a golden belt around his waist. Fear was evident in his eyes as he stared at me.

"Demon!" he yelled again.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" I snapped, but for some reason, no words came out of my mouth. Still, he seemed to understand what I said, as his eyes widened even further in terror, and he stumbled, losing his balance.

"Demon!It's demon! My Lord, make your decision! You should never raise a demon child!"

What was he talking about? What child was he referring to?

A man responded angrily.

"This is my daughter you're referring to, Priest," he said, his voice filled with anger.

"My Lord, listen to the Priest. No one must know of the birth of a creature with such an appearance," said a woman’s voice.

I turned to look at the woman who had spoken.

What are they talking about?

"My Lord, please, for the sake of House Clemente, listen to us. I agree to let you save the child, but you must decide. We need to hide the child from everyone. No one should know or see her," the woman continued.

"What should I do?" the man they called "My Lord" asked in confusion, clearly overwhelmed.

The Priest was the one to answer.

"I will create a barrier to hide her until she comes of age. When that time comes, we will see what fate has in store for her."

"I will give her a name first," the man said.

"No, My Lord!" the Priest immediately protested. "You must never name a demon. If she remains unnamed, her life will not be cursed."

I’m so confused. Can’t they see me? Aren’t they wondering why someone suddenly emerged from the portal? There’s no difference in our appearance, so why are they calling me a demon?

I tried to stand, but why is it so hard to move? Even speaking feels impossible.

I screamed at the man who suddenly picked me up.

"Put me down now! I command you!"

But what I heard was the cry of a newborn baby.

A baby?

What’s happening?

When I looked at my hands, they were so small. Why am I a baby?

This is wrong. What kind of mistake is this?

I was supposed to come out of the portal as myself, not as an infant. So where did I come from?

The man holding me began to walk, and that’s when I saw a woman lying unconscious on the floor, covered only by bloodstained sheets.

Her belly was still swollen, and that’s when it hit me—I came from her womb. The portal I entered led me to this woman’s body.

Something must have gone terribly wrong.

I can’t even sense any magic connecting to me from my surroundings. Is it because this isn’t my world?

Have I become powerless here? How will I find Maia now?

And the worst part is... I’m stuck in the body of a newborn.