the books of hidden worlds

chapter six: Alden

As the Harrison siblings lay fast asleep in their shared room, a sudden shattering of glass echoed through the air. Yet, not a single one stirred, as if bound by an invisible force. An intruder entered the room silently, their movements swift and deliberate. Without hesitation, they approached Rowan, covering his mouth as he attempted to scream.

"Let me go!" Rowan pleaded, his voice muffled by the intruder's hand. His eyes darted around desperately, seeking help from his brothers, but none of them awoke. Panic seized him as he struggled in vain, only to hear the stranger murmur in a low, commanding voice, "Somnium-Somno requiescas." (Sleep in peace, rest in slumber.)

Rowan's body betrayed him. His eyelids grew heavy, and despite his terror, a powerful drowsiness washed over him. In moments, he was asleep, his mind sinking into a deep, dreamless abyss under the spell.

Hours passed, yet none of the Harrison brothers awoke.

The Next Morning

Alden was the first to wake. His eyes scanned the room, only to realize Rowan was no longer in his bed. Confusion tightened his chest as he hurried downstairs to the kitchen, where he found Alara preparing breakfast.

"Good morning," Alden greeted, trying to keep his tone steady. "Have you seen Rowan? He's up early today, which is strange. He never wakes this early."

Alara looked at him, her brow furrowed with concern. "No, I just woke up myself. Maybe he's outside, getting some air."

"Thanks," Alden replied, worry gnawing at him. "I'll check outside."

He stepped out of the house, feeling the crisp morning air on his face. But something caught his eye-a strange blue light shimmering in the distance. It flickered as though it was calling him, beckoning him closer. Without thinking, Alden followed the mysterious light, his feet carrying him further from the house, into unknown territory.

Suddenly, the light vanished, and Alden found himself standing before a grand structure that hadn't been there before. His heart skipped a beat. It was a mansion, tall and imposing, with dark, twisting towers. He hesitated for a moment, then pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The air was thick with the scent of aged books and candle wax. Before him stretched an enormous library, its shelves towering to the ceiling, and books floated in mid-air, slowly turning their pages. Alden's awe was interrupted by a voice behind him.

"Who are you?" a figure asked.

Alden spun around to face the speaker, a young man about his age, with striking eyes. "I'm Alden Harrison. Who are you?"

The man's gaze sharpened at the name. "Harrison? Son of Lucian Harrison?"

Alden nodded slowly. "Yeah, that's me."

The young man's serious expression softened into a grin. "You're joking, right? We look about the same age. Anyway, I'm Salem Ashtray, a witch. And you?"

"A wizard," Alden said, "Half-wizard, half-human."

"Human, huh? Interesting," Salem mused. Then, another voice chimed in from behind the shelves.

"Salem, who are you talking to?" A second young man stepped into view, his dark eyes scrutinizing Alden.

"This is Alden Harrison," Salem explained. "Son of Lucian and Ivy."

The second man's mouth curled into a sly smile. "So, where are your siblings? Still at your aunt Alara's place?"

Alden stiffened at the mention of Alara. "How do you know about her?"