ACROSS WORLDS

Part 8

DOMINIQUE was led into a sprawling courtyard, where women dressed like Asla moved about, busy with their tasks. A young girl, about seventeen, passed by, offering a curtsy.

"Why do they greet like that?" Dominique asked, intrigued.

Asla smiled. "This is sacred ground, Dominique. Respect is fundamental here; it keeps balance and honors the laws of this place."

Dominique observed the scene, noting the absence of men. "Why are there so many women and so few men here?"

Laughing softly, Asla explained, "This is a sanctuary for women. The few men here chose to serve Her Eminence, whom you'll meet soon. The women, however, are called to serve from the age of sixteen, after they receive what we call Contact. When that happens, their families bring them here to fulfill their destiny."

Dominique frowned, trying to wrap her mind around the concept. "What exactly is Contact, and how do they receive it?"

As they walked down a hallway lined with intricate wall carvings of women, Asla answered, "Everyone has a purpose. For those who experience Contact, their destiny is tied to the Crato and Her Eminence, for the greater good."

"But you still haven't told me what Contact is," Dominique pressed.

Asla smiled mysteriously. "Soon. But first, you must be prepared."

Confused and a little frustrated, Dominique followed. Asla led her to a large pool, crafted from clay, with water that shimmered faintly in the dim light. The liquid wasn't quite clear but had a strange, earthy hue. Steps led down into the pool, and rings lined the sides for stability.

"Strip and get in. You need to cleanse yourself," Asla instructed calmly.

Dominique hesitated, embarrassed. "Excuse me?"

"You must wash, Dominique. Time is short."

That word again—time. Begrudgingly, Dominique removed her clothes and stepped into the pool.

"Good. Now, use this." Asla handed her a bar of Halium soap. "Rub it all over your body. Immerse yourself in the water when you feel ready. Stay as long as you need. When you feel complete, come out. I'll be waiting."

A servant girl brought a flowing, silk-like gown, its sheer fabric barely concealing anything. Asla placed the gown aside. "Wear this when you're done," she said before leaving Dominique alone.

Standing in the warm water, Dominique felt strange, almost uneasy. Yet, as she began to lather the soap onto her skin, she couldn't deny its soothing effects. Slowly, her movements became rhythmic, almost ritualistic, as though the soap guided her actions. She hesitated, but the pull was too strong. Closing her eyes, she submerged herself completely in the water.

And then, she saw light—blinding, even through her closed eyes. Panic surged through her. She felt herself rising, floating above the water. Her body tensed, and a sharp, stabbing pain shot through her chest. Dominique screamed silently, her body contorted in mid-air as if suspended. Just as abruptly as it had begun, the vision ended, and she plunged back into the water, gasping.

Shaken, Dominique scrambled out of the pool, her heart racing. She quickly donned the sheer gown, feeling more exposed than ever.

Asla was waiting just outside the door. "I heard you scream. What happened?"

Dominique recounted her experience, still trembling from the shock. Asla's expression shifted to concern.

"You're certain you ascended?" Asla asked, her tone urgent.

"Yes, but it was painful. I can't go through this anymore. I promised Stacey I would try, but I'm done."

Ignoring her protests, Asla grabbed her hand, pulling her along the corridor. "We don't have time. You've made Contact. That wasn't supposed to happen yet. We must go to Her Eminence immediately."

"Wait—what do you mean, 'I made Contact'? What does that even mean?" Dominique protested as she was hurried down the hall.

Asla quickened her pace, not bothering to explain. "Crato is ready. We must hurry."

"Isn't this place called Crato?" Dominique asked, confused.

"Yes. Crato means 'Passage.' And you've begun yours."

They entered a large chamber where two girls mixed a concoction in a wooden bowl. Asla barked orders to one of them. "Fetch Her Eminence at once. Tell her the Bodaki has made Contact."

The girl's eyes widened in shock, and she dashed out of the room.

"What's a Bodaki?" Dominique asked, but Asla ignored her.

Soon, an older woman entered the chamber. Her presence was commanding, and Dominique immediately knew this was Her Eminence. The woman, though clearly advanced in age, stood tall and moved with deliberate grace. Her amber eyes glowed unnervingly as she approached Dominique.

"Her Eminence," Asla said, bowing low. "She has made Contact."

The older woman scrutinized Dominique, her gaze intense. "So, it has begun. After all these years, the Bodaki has returned."

Dominique, feeling utterly lost, snapped. "Can someone please explain what's going on? This is insane. I just want to leave."

Her Eminence stepped closer, her voice low but firm. "Your destiny is far from ordinary, child. You are the Bodaki, the balance between worlds. You were never meant to return to your old life. It is time for you to embrace your true purpose."

The chamber was soon filled with women, circling Dominique. One smeared a thick concoction on her face, chanting softly. The room's atmosphere grew heavy with a strange energy. Dominique wanted to resist, to run, but her body felt rooted to the spot.

Her Eminence began to chant loudly, her voice echoing off the stone walls. The circle of women moved around Dominique in a rhythmic dance, their voices rising in a hypnotic melody. Dominique tried to cover her ears, but suddenly, she realized she couldn't hear anything. The chanting, the singing—it all stopped, though she could still see their lips moving.

Panic surged through her, and dizziness overcame her senses. The world began to spin. The last thing Dominique saw before darkness consumed her was Her Eminence staring directly at her, eyes glowing brighter than ever.

"And so, it begins," Her Eminence whispered as Dominique fell into the abyss, endlessly falling, never reaching the ground.

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Author's Note:

Guys, I trust you are enjoying the book. This is to reiterate that every strange terminologies in this book that are not in English are just from my imagination. If they resemble any language belonging to anyone or anything, it is pure coincidence.

As the stories emerge, I will create time to include a glossary to avoid confusion. Don't forget to vote, comment and follow me. Love you guys