Beyond

Revelations

Lysander hurried down the familiar forest path, his heart racing with urgency. The encounter in the bookstore replayed in his mind like a haunting melody, and he couldn't shake the unease that settled in his gut. He needed to tell Matilda everything. As he approached their cozy cottage, nestled among the trees with its rustic charm, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation that lay ahead.

Matilda was in the kitchen when he entered, her delicate hands busy kneading dough for the bread they'd have for lunch. She looked up, her gentle smile transforming into a concerned frown as she noticed the tension in his expression. "What is it, Lysander?" she asked, wiping her flour-dusted hands on her apron. "You look as if you've seen a ghost."

"It's about Piper," he said, his voice laced with urgency. "You won't believe what happened in town."

Matilda's eyes widened with interest as she set the dough aside and moved closer. "What do you mean? Did you see her?"

"Yes." Lysander said, his breath hitching slightly. Matilda's heart raced as she processed the news. "Where is she now?"

"Eamon brought her to the bookstore," Lysander explained, glancing out the window as if expecting Connor to appear at any moment. "She seemed comfortable, they were talking quietly about books. I could sense the connection between them, I'm sure Eamon did too. We cannot keep this any longer, it is a matter of time before Eamon starts to ask." Matilda clasped her hands together, a mixture of hope and fear swirling in her chest. "Do you think he knows? That we're her parents?" Lysander shook his head. "No, he doesn't know. And I didn't tell him. I couldn't risk it. You know how curious he is."

Before Matilda could respond, a soft knock sounded at the door. It swung open to reveal Connor, his face a mixture of relief and tension. "Sorry I'm late," he said, stepping inside. "I lost track of time while I was ensuring Piper was settled." Matilda gestured for him to sit at the rustic dining table, laden with fresh bread, fruits, and hearty stew. "We've just started lunch. Join us, please."

"Thanks, Matilda," Connor replied, though his mind was far from the savoury aroma filling the room. "I need to talk to you both about Piper." Lysander's expression shifted from one of warmth to concern. "Alistair filled us in about her crossing. We've been waiting to hear your side of the story."

Connor nodded, sinking into a chair at the table, "I found her in the forest. She was lost and disoriented. It took a bit of reassurance to get her to come with me. She has no idea what's truly going on." Matilda set the bread aside, her hands resting on the table as she leaned in. "How did she react to all of this? She must have had questions."

"More than I could answer," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But she's adventurous, curious. There's a spark in her that's hard to ignore. She seems drawn to this world, and to me." He hesitated, the bond pulsing gently in the back of his mind. "I just hope she can adjust."

Lysander's brows knitted together, his expression serious. "You need to be careful, Connor. You can't let the pull of your bond with her show too much. If she senses something is off, she'll start to suspect the truth."

"I know," Connor replied, frustration seeping into his voice. "But the connection is intense. Every time I'm near her, I feel... different. It's as if she's awakened something inside me. I just don't know how to keep it contained."

"You must try," Lysander insisted, his tone firm yet understanding. "This is uncharted territory for all of us, and if Piper discovers the truth there's no telling on how will she react." Connor clenched his jaw, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "I'll do my best. I just wish she could understand that she belongs here, that this world is just as much hers as it is ours." Matilda placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "You're doing the right thing, Connor. Just remember, she has her own life back in her world. We can't force her to choose this one."