Alpha Alden ✔️

Chapter Thirty Three

Word Count: 1602

~Kezziah

The world fell out from under me.

It was the strange feeling that enveloped me that scared me most. I've been through this before with a different Immortal. What scares me is the tight grip on my arm, refusing to let go, forcing me to follow suit. I don't know exactly where Fate is taking me, but the idea in my head is terrifying. He's taking me straight to Time.

The moment my feet found hard ground, I pushed away so hard from Fate, I stumbled back a few steps, nearly toppling over.

Wherever he's taken me, it's not from the mortal world. He has betrayed me, taking me straight to Time. Maybe it isn't betrayal; I should have expected it. You cannot trust immortals. I'm foolish for letting him get me here.

"Before you say anything-"

I whirl around, beyond mad. "Take me back. Right now. Do you have any idea what Time will do to me? Especially in the Immortal lands where he has all his power...He might kill me, or worse! He might keep me here against my will forever, and I'll be his slave. But I guess that's what you wanted."

Fate stands there patiently, letting me yell profusely at him. He doesn't even blink. Wiping the corner of my mouth, I take in a few deep breaths, steadying myself from my angry outburst.

Finally, I take a look around. We stand outside a wrought iron gate connecting to a fence which surrounds a tall estate. It's a cloudy, casting ominous dark shadows across the unkempt grounds. The manor is so large I can't even begin to imagine what dwells inside. Time surely does. This is the perfect place for him to reside. The dark wood cladding is in immaculate condition, though, the windows concealed by curtains on the inside. I would expect a more decrepit place for an immortal like time.

Although this place is creepy.

When I turn around, there is nothing. Just a large expanse of swamp like grounds. A thick mist tangles around the weeds, blurring out the horizon. This is just a lone estate in the middle of nowhere. Perfect for someone like Time. Nowhere for his victims to run...

"You know," Fate says blandly, pulling attention back to him. I've just noticed how our voices almost seem to echo. "This place isn't in the immortal or mortal lands."

"Where are we?" I question.

Fate grins, relishing in my confusion. "We are between those two lands. In Time's special realm. There isn't much to it other than what you see, however, not many can access it. So if you ever wondered where he hides, you're looking at it."

A chill dances up my spine, my entire body shuddering. This place must be why Alden has struggled to deal with Time sooner. No one can get to him other than powerful immortals like Fate. Now I know Fate is the only way out of here, which is why I'm assuming he's going to dump me right into Time's hands.

I can sense Fate surveying my expression. "You don't have to worry. Time isn't here."

"Don't act like you're not abandoning me," I mutter. I want to turn around right into the swamp, but it would be futile. The mist will devour me and Time will be back to pull me right out for his own personal torture.

"That's not my plan, believe it or not," Fate tells me, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I actually brought you here to help you."

"And how do you plan to do that?"

Another smile, except this one is littered with secrets and allure. With his shoulder, he pops open the gate, motioning for me to follow him. I skeptical, but staying outside will do me just as well as trusting this man. Even if it's for only a moment. Right now, I'm attempting not to let the idea of being an eternal prisoner in this place.