———Hail———
The portal surges to life, colors and sparks colliding chaotically within its trembling frame. The entire structure groans under the force, a deep, resonating hum filling the air.
"Something else is coming through!" Claire shouts, her voice cutting through the chaos.
Alyse narrows her eyes, stepping closer to me. "You didn't happen to have someone follow you through, did you Hail?"
"No, I came alone." I say.
"Then what the hell is it?" Red demands, his flames flickering brighter.
Suddenly, Dylan collapses to the ground, clutching his head. His screams pierce the air, his body shaking violently. "The beast... It's coming! It's here!"
"Beast?" I ask, alarmed. "What the hell is he talking about?"
Keegan drops to his knees beside Dylan, gripping his friend's shoulders. "Dylan, what are you talking about? What beast?"
Before Dylan can respond, the storm outside halts unnaturally, the rain cutting off in an instant. The air grows still, heavy with an unspoken menace. Then, a sound rings out—deep and distant, like a bell tolling across the hills.
The haunting chime echoes through the building, sending chills through me.
It rings again.
"Two..." I whisper, almost instinctively.
All eyes snap to me.
"Two?" Red asks, his voice tense.
The bell tolls again, louder this time, reverberating through the air.
"Three..." I say, my gaze locking with Red's.
Kylen steps forward, his expression darkening. "Hail... is this what I think it is?"
Ding.
"Four..."
Alyse's voice shakes. "What is it? What does it mean?"
Ding.
"Five..."
Keegan looks around, confused. "Why are you all acting like this? It's just a clock... right? Some old clock tower ringing the hours or something?"
Ding.
"Six..."
"It's not just a clock!" Dylan chokes out, trembling. His voice is strained, as if speaking is a monumental effort.
"Seven..."
Red steps toward me, his flames flaring. "Hail, what's going on?"
Ding.
"Eight..."
"Someone answer me!" Kylen demands, his hand tightening on his hilt.
"Nine..." I snap, holding up a hand. "All of you, shut the fuck up before you make me lose count! Ten..."
Everyone falls silent, their weapons drawn. The only sound is the toll of the bell and Dylan's labored breathing.
Ding.
"Eleven..." My grip tightens on my sword.
The air shifts, heavy and oppressive, as the twelfth toll rings out.
"Son of a bitch," I mutter, raising my blade. "Twelve."
The portal shatters in a violent explosion of energy, and a shadow streaks through, faster than any of us can react. It collides with Red, slamming him to the ground with a feral growl.
YOU ARE READING
Kingdom of the Nine: The Bridge (IV)
Science FictionA metaphor and also a literal bridge. The bridge between Naurus and Earth has been destroyed. Red, Kyle, and Alyse are trapped on Earth and must now face the wrath of the Court for leaving their Universe, uncertain if they will ever be able to make...
