Between Realms of Love

Seeking Passage

The decision to reconnect with her old world weighed heavily on Leila. She had made her choice—to stay with Lucian, to build a life in his world—but she couldn’t leave her family and friends without some kind of closure. Her heart ached at the thought of the pain her sudden disappearance must have caused them. Now, with Lucian by her side, she hoped to find a way to offer them some peace.

---

The next day, Lucian led her to the library’s hidden wing, a section filled with ancient tomes bound in faded leather and marked with mystical symbols. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and something more potent—a faint energy that seemed to hum through the room. As they stepped inside, Lucian glanced at her, a flicker of concern in his gaze.

“These texts are rare,” he said softly. “Few have ever attempted to cross worlds without consequences. Even with the proper rituals, it’s unpredictable.”

Leila nodded, steeling herself. “I understand the risks, but I need to do this, Lucian. Even if it’s just for a few moments, I need to let them know I’m safe.”

He hesitated, then handed her a tome bound in dark emerald leather. The cover bore a symbol she didn’t recognize—a star intertwined with a swirling circle. Lucian’s voice was steady but low, almost reverent. “This book contains passages on realms beyond our own. If we’re to attempt this, we must follow each step precisely.”

They spent hours pouring over the text, tracing each ancient phrase and symbol. The ritual required a delicate balance of energy from both realms, using Lucian’s connection to the Heartstone to amplify her own residual link to Earth. It was dangerous—one misstep could leave her stranded between worlds, or worse.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the high windows, Lucian finally looked up from the pages, his expression solemn. “The ritual must be performed under the full moon, which is two nights from now. I’ll need to channel the Heartstone’s energy through me to stabilize the passage.”

Leila felt a pang of guilt, knowing the toll it would take on him. “Lucian, I don’t want to endanger you. If there’s too much risk—”

He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his gaze unwavering. “This is your choice, Leila. And if it brings you peace, I’m willing to help, no matter the cost.”

They shared a quiet moment, his touch warm and grounding. She took a steadying breath, her determination strengthened by his support. Whatever happened, they would face it together.

---

Two nights later, they prepared for the ritual in a secluded clearing near the Heartstone’s chamber, surrounded by ancient symbols etched into the earth. Lucian held the Heartstone, its glow pulsing faintly as he began to chant in a language Leila didn’t understand. She felt the energy rise around her, like a current of warmth and light swirling through the night air.

“Stand in the center,” Lucian instructed, his voice calm but strained. “When the passage opens, focus on the person you wish to reach. It may be brief, but it will give you a moment—a chance to let them know you’re safe.”

Leila stepped into the center of the symbols, her heart pounding as she thought of her family, her friends, the life she’d left behind. She closed her eyes, focusing on her mother’s face, on the memory of her laughter and the warmth of her embrace. A surge of energy filled her chest, powerful and overwhelming.

The air around her seemed to shift, the world blurring and twisting until she felt herself standing somewhere familiar—the living room of her family home. Her mother sat on the couch, her face etched with worry, clutching an old photo of Leila.

“Mom…” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Her mother’s head snapped up, her eyes widening in shock. “Leila?” she breathed, disbelief and hope mingling in her gaze. “Is that really you?”

Tears filled Leila’s eyes as she nodded, stepping forward. “I’m safe, Mom. I’m okay. I just… I needed you to know that.”

Her mother reached out, her hand trembling as it passed through Leila’s form, touching nothing but air. Her expression crumbled, but she managed a tearful smile. “I don’t understand, but… thank you. Just knowing you’re alright… it’s enough.”

The connection began to waver, the image of her mother fading as the energy around her shifted. Leila’s heart clenched, knowing their time was almost up. “I love you, Mom. Please tell everyone… tell them I’m okay.”

And then, with a final surge of light, she was pulled back into Lucian’s world, collapsing to her knees in the clearing. The glow of the Heartstone faded, and she looked up to find Lucian kneeling beside her, concern etched into his face.

“Leila,” he whispered, reaching for her. “Are you alright?”

She nodded, though her body felt weak, the emotional weight of the encounter heavy on her heart. “I… I saw her. My mother. I told her I was safe.”

Lucian’s hand tightened around hers, offering silent support. “Then you’ve given them peace. And now… now, you can begin anew here.”

She looked up at him, gratitude and affection filling her gaze. “Thank you, Lucian. For everything.”

They sat together in the moonlit clearing, her heart full yet aching, as she made peace with the life she’d left behind and embraced the future she would build by Lucian’s side.