Kingdom of the Nine: The Bridge (IV)

Chapter 9

———Red———
The helicopter touches down in the field in front of the base. As the blades slow, I finally notice how nondescript the building is—no logos, no markers, just a tall chain-link fence adorned with a weathered "KEEP OUT" sign. Beyond it, a sprawling forest stretches into the distance.

I wonder if the portal had been hidden in that forest before Kylen and Claire came through. I wonder how many people might have found it before they came here. Maybe the base was built here before they crossed over, to keep the secret buried.

Stepping out of the helicopter, I brace against the wind—not just from the rotors, but from the storm brewing above. Lightning streaks across the sky, thunder rolling in its wake. Raindrops splatter on my face as I approach the building.

Kylen moves ahead, fumbling with the lock on the door. "Claire, stay back with the kids!" he shouts over the noise.

"We're not kids!" Dylan yells, his voice dripping with indignation.

Claire just shrugs and gives a thumbs-up.

I glance over at Alyse standing beside me.

"You ready?" I ask.

She nods, sparks flickering at her fingertips. "Whatever's coming, we'll handle it. Together."

Her confidence steadies me, and I nod in return. Kylen swings the door open, revealing the lab inside. Beyond shattered glass and debris, the portal looms in the next room. Its swirling colors shimmer ominously, pulsating like a heartbeat.

Kylen's ward ignites, the energy forming into a gleaming blade as it extends from his hilt. Alyse raises her hand, electricity crackling along her palm. My own flames ignite, flickering in my hands like living creatures.

The portal hums louder, the sound vibrating through the walls. Lightning arcs from its edges, illuminating the fractured frame as it seems to strain under some unseen force.

Then, with a deafening boom, the portal flares to life. Its broken structure quakes violently, almost as if resisting the energy trying to force it open. A jagged bolt of electricity suddenly lashes out, striking Alyse square in the chest.

She cries out as the force hurls her backward through the doorway.

"Alyse!" Kylen shouts, running to her side.

I glance back, my heart pounding, but before I can reach her, a figure emerges from the portal.

The gateway shudders with a final groan and abruptly goes silent, the swirling colors vanishing. The figure lands in a crouch just outside the shattered frame, fist pressed to the ground.

As it rises, I take in the details: massive icy wings unfurl from its back before collapsing inward and disappearing. The figure stands tall, its face hidden behind a pristine white mask. A cloak cascades down its back, splitting into a sharp "V" at the waist before flowing into a long coat-like design. White pants and black boots complete the look, the outfit somehow both regal and battle-worn.

With a deliberate motion, the figure pulls back its hood, revealing spiked white hair that gleams under the stormy sky.

"Where the fuck am I?" The voice is sharp, laced with irritation. "And who the fuck are you people?"

I step forward, narrowing my eyes. "I could ask you the same thing."

The figure tilts its head. "I asked first."

"And you showed up on my planet uninvited," I snap. "So I ask the questions here."

The figure groans audibly, exasperated. "Oh my fuck, I don't have time for this."