the silent heartbeat

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

As I stepped into my room, I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder, and there it was—my mirror still glowing, casting an ethereal light that bathed the room in hues of blues, purples, and greens, like an aurora spilling out into my world. The sight was both mesmerizing and intimidating, as if the mirror itself was a portal beckoning me to cross a threshold from which there would be no return.

Taking a deep breath, I knew what I needed to do. I walked over to my closet, pulled out a small travel bag, and began gathering the essentials. My heart pounded with a mix of excitement and anxiety as I chose each item carefully. A sturdy flashlight, a notebook, a few pens, my phone—though I doubted it would work in Emberthorne—it was still something familiar and grounding. I packed a water bottle, some snacks, and a small first-aid kit. For a moment, I hesitated over my journal, then slipped it into the bag. It had been with me through so many experiences, and somehow, I felt like I couldn't leave it behind.

When I was satisfied, I zipped up the bag and slung it over my shoulder. The weight of it reminded me of the reality of what I was about to do. This wasn't just some fanciful wish or dream—I was about to embark on a journey into a world where danger was real, and where I would face challenges I could barely comprehend.

As I headed downstairs, I saw my mom in the kitchen, casually flipping through a magazine with a cup of coffee beside her. She looked up when she saw me, her eyes narrowing as she took in my unusual outfit—the green cloak, sturdy boots, and travel-worn attire that didn't exactly scream "hanging out with friends."

"Why are you wearing that?" she asked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and mild suspicion.

Caught off guard, I stammered for a moment, then quickly concocted an explanation. "Oh, I... uh, I'm going with Claudia and Candice somewhere. We're planning on a little getaway, you know? Just for a couple of days, an overnight at Candice's house. Thought I'd try a more, uh, outdoorsy look for the trip," I added, forcing a smile.

Mom raised an eyebrow, but she nodded slowly, as though weighing my words. "Well, alright," she said finally, sipping her coffee. "Just make sure you stay in touch. And be careful, okay? You know how much I worry."

"I will, Mom," I assured her, feeling a pang of guilt tugging at my chest. It felt wrong to deceive her like this, especially when she had always trusted me. But I knew that this was something I had to do on my own. There was no other way.

As I walked back upstairs, each step felt heavier, laden with the weight of my lie. I hadn't lied to my mom often, and the guilt gnawed at me, even though I knew it was necessary. I was stepping into something bigger than myself—something that even I didn't fully understand. And though I wished I could tell her the truth, I doubted she would ever believe it, or worse, she might try to stop me.

When I returned to my room, the glowing mirror awaited, a shimmering portal beckoning me to a world unknown. I locked the door behind me, setting my bag down for a moment as I took one last look around my room. This space held so many memories, and the familiarity was comforting. But there was also a strange sense of finality as if stepping through the mirror meant leaving behind this life in some irrevocable way.

With one last, steadying breath, I picked up my bag, slinging it over my shoulder once more. This was it—the moment of truth. I couldn't turn back now, not with the mission before me and the weight of my promise to Elowen and the others.

My hand reached out slowly, fingers trembling as they brushed the mirror's surface. Just like before, it felt soft and cool, as if I were pressing against the surface of water or a sheet of soft, pliable glass. I closed my eyes, feeling a sense of both fear and determination settle within me.