First World(86)

“Okay, it’s time for the rest of you to go as well. Grab your packs and trust no one but each other. These planets are unique and their inhabitants even more so. They will not think the way you expect.”

Samuel stepped forward first, hugging her for an extra moment. “Love you, Mother. Don’t worry too much; we’ll be back soon. Plus Josian and Aribella are pretty much indestructible.”

She laughed. “I wouldn’t be letting them leave my side if that wasn’t the case. And the only reason you are going is I know I can’t stop you. You’re too old to send to your room now.”

“Everyone, get your bags. Aribella will open a doorway. Don’t worry about Lalli; I will stay here with her.” Francesca ushered us out into the main hall.

“That’s very reassuring, Frannie, since it’s your predictions that have put us all in this position. And most of the time no one has a clue what you’re talking about.”

“Shut up, Lalli. We aren’t too old that I can’t hurt you.”

Lallielle laughed. “Actually, sister, you are much too old. You’d break a hip.”

Lallielle and Francesca had conveyed that they were well over a hundred years old, despite the fact they looked young enough to be twenty-five. Although neither of them would tell me their exact age.

Reaching down, I grabbed my pack. During breakfast, some food and other items had been added. The pack was light, but probably wouldn’t be on Spurn.



We gathered as a group in the main entranceway. Francesca handed me a photo. “This is the place on Spurn you want to picture.”

I glanced down to an island paradise. Pink-colored sky glinted off the sandy white beaches. Nice.

Lallielle stood before me. “Stay safe, Aribella, my daughter. I love you.”

Taking a deep breath, I threw my arms around her. “Thank you, Mom. I love you too.”

At some point her kindness had chipped away at the hard shell surrounding my heart. And if there was ever a time to use ‘Mom’, it was now.

Needing to concentrate, I closed my eyes and blocked everything out. I lifted the lid on my energy spot; it surged in protest of last night’s containment. Ignoring this, I started to pull, taking my time, weaving a large and strong circle. Two cycles per person, and large enough for everyone to step through. Once I was finished, I held the end of the string and pictured the island in the centre. Then I released it.

Lucy gasped as I opened my eyes. “Damn, Abby, it actually worked.”

I laughed. “Thanks for the faith.”

She shrugged. “What can I say? I may have smiled and nodded, but deep down I didn’t think you had a chance.”

I snorted with laughter. Typical Lucy.

“Okay, are we ready to go now?” Samuel took Lucy’s hand, gesturing that we all should follow.

Brace moved in to take mine; he gave it a gentle squeeze. In that split second our eyes linked. I forced myself to ignore this and focus on the doorway. Taking a deep breath, I stepped through, pulling them with me. I rode the waves, moving at super speed without any issue and doing my best to keep everyone from collapsing around me. The journey was longer than expected, and there was a strange turbulence in the quiet expanse of the wormhole.

As we were expelled, the light was so bright I was blinded in those first few moments. Hands were wrenched from my grasp as everyone tumbled to the ground. I jumped to my feet and turned in a circle. Already we were surrounded by creatures, their weapons held aloft. The brochure had lied.

This was no island resort.

Brace was suddenly at my back. He reached out and took my hand.

As the Spurns moved closer, Brace leaned in to me.

“I need to tell you something, Red, in case we don’t make it off this beach.” Despite the situation, his low voice and close proximity sent shivers down my spine. “When I crashed into you in the forest, that wasn’t the first time I saw you.”

I stiffened as the rest of our group stood; our circle was pushed in tighter by the advancing men, all with flowing locks of dark-blue hair.

“What do you mean?” I finally spat out between clenched teeth.

His grip tightened. “I dreamed of you too.”