In Between

Chapter Thirty-two: Into the Abyss

For a little while longer, their group remained in the clearing as they speculated about the spirits' cryptic prophesy. Apryl knew that although the beauty of their surroundings gave the illusion that time itself had stopped, it was only that—an illusion. Warriors and Guardians alike were still searching for the Outsiders and their accomplices.

"We aren't safe here," Apryl said finally. Reality was slowly creeping up and reminding them that they couldn't stay in Natura forever. It was only a matter of time until someone eventually realized where the six of them had gone.

"She's right," Ezriella whispered reluctantly. "The Guardians have ways of knowing which portals have been recently used and which haven't. They'll probably discover that we're here any minute now."

"Then what do we do?" Bri asked desperately.

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to help you. I've never been able to open a portal and likely don't have the ability at all." Ezriella said. "However, since Kieran has done it successfully, I suggest you leave here immediately."

"I can't do it. I don't even know how," Kieran said instantly.

"Give it a try," Apryl suggested. "After all, you did bring us here."

"She's right. Focus on the place that you most desperately wish to go," Ezriella said kindly.

"I want to go home to my house, so I can see my family," Kieran whispered, anxiously twisting his fingers in his lap. Apryl could tell by his conflicted expression that he would never look at his parents or siblings in quite the same way; they weren't truly related to him as he had always thought, and that was surely a strange thing to discover after so many years of wondering why he was different.

"You must concentrate as hard as possible as you picture your home and think about your deep desire to be there," Ezriella explained. Her voice was soft and compelling like a hypnotist lulling someone to sleep. Apryl wasn't surprised to see Kieran visibly relax and do as she had asked. He sat quite still with his hands folded neatly in his lap and his eyes gently closed. "Good, now I want you to slow your breathing and imagine the portal opening in front of you. Picture a tangible flap suspended in the air and unfold it with your mind's fingers..."

Amazingly, it was at that moment that something began to materialize in the middle of their circle. Apryl's gaze snapped to the area where a thin white light was spreading from seemingly nowhere—exactly as if someone had pulled back a flap to reveal a brightly lit room. She knew she wasn't the only one to witness it when every head except for Kieran's turned to watch the very same spot.

"Do not open your eyes just yet," Ezriella told him calmly. "Keep picturing the portal clearly in your mind—imagine yourself looking through it at your own bedroom."

"Alright," Kieran muttered, his eyebrows furrowing in concentration.

He's doing it, Draven commented wondrously.

Didn't you think he could? Apryl asked.

I guess a part of me still didn't believe it. I mean, Kieran as a Guardian? I've known the kid since childhood. It's...

Weird? Apryl supplied.

Not at all—more like painfully obvious. I honestly can't believe I didn't figure it out sooner!

Well, I can't believe that no one figured out who Ivan was. Seriously, you look like a miniature version of him. Draven shot her a very irritated look which she chose to answer with a smile. I'm not being mean—I'm trying to prepare you to deal with it. People are going to be saying things like that all of the time. You should make peace with it and move on, she suggested.