Second Assault — Bond And Treason — novel Chapter 12

By the time I open my eyes and am back in the woods, everything looks different.

The trees are green and lush again, rising in all their glory.

The humidity and the smell of fresh air invades my nostrils, it's almost... Relaxing.

And this time, there's sunshine.

Although, from where I am I can't see it, as the trees arch and intertwine with each other, creating a closed arch above my head.

The rays of light filter through the branches, giving me a better view of everything around me.

I can't see the lake anymore, I can't hear it either.

I miss the lights, I miss the water, I miss the voice, I miss... Him.

I take one look at my clothes and now I'm dressed completely in white.

The clothes are quite simple, a V-neck shirt with long silk sleeves and sweatpants, soft to the touch, and almost completely covering my body.

I'm barefoot again and I appreciate it. I've never liked wearing shoes much, I prefer to feel the surfaces under my feet.

And this time, it's not dirt I'm stepping on... It's asphalt.

A long, wide road stretches out in front of me. I can't see the end and I think that, even if I walk for hours, I doubt I'll reach it.

But still... I advance.

It's as if a force is inviting me to go on, to continue.

I don't know what it is, I don't know who it could be, but it captivates me.

«Come back to me quickly».

It is one of the latent memories in my mind, one that I feel the need to hold on to so tightly and never be able to let go.

His deep voice pierces me like a gentle breeze and makes me long for more.

«I feel you too».

God, I miss him so much.

I force my body to pull itself together, swallow the knot that was created in my throat, and prepare to go on.

I keep walking, the asphalt feels cold under my feet. But it's not an unpleasant sensation.

I try to see beyond the trees, but it's impossible. The distance from one to the other is practically non-existent, I can't see anything beyond it.

Above me there are only more leaves and branches, although I can get a little glimpse of the sky.

It's completely overcast. Thick, white clouds hide the color blue. And I still can't see the sun, although its rays create shadows of light on my clothes and around me as I continue to move.

It's the most relaxed I've found since I first woke up here.

My body feels light, untethered, completely free. I tilt my head back, close my eyes, and breathe.

I breathe.

I breathe.

I don't hear anything around me, no breeze shaking my hair, no sounds of animals or insects moving through the moss or dirt.

There's just me.

There is only me.

What does that mean?

I feel my eyes stinging and the pulse in my veins racing.

I miss him, I want to be by his side, I want to feel his warmth again, his heartbeat under my palm, the effect on his skin when I touch him.

—Alexei.

His name comes out of my lips in a faint whisper and the need to be with him only increases in intensity.

—Magnus.

I invoke him again, though this time in the way I always call him.

I'm surprised I was able to remember it.

I have struggled so hard to do so before and now images of his existence cross behind my eyelids with incredible ease.

I am glad to know that I am not crazy, that he does exist and that he is waiting somewhere for me.

And now that I have remembered him, I will hold on to his image with my life.

Warmth.

I feel hot.

A warmth crosses through my body, relief runs through my extremities, and offers me comfort.

Mom, Grandma... Help me.

What should I do?

Should I continue?

Please, just give me a sign.

«Xander King?».

I slowly open my eyes when I hear it.

I don't recognize this voice, I don't know who it is.

It's not the same as before, it's not... Alexei.

I try to ask and meet its owner, but my lips move without making a sound.

Why can't I speak?

«You must wake up, please».

I look in all directions, hoping to see something that will tell me what I should do.

Although it's useless, I'm only surrounded by the forest... But that's when I see it.

A huge sphere of light is at what I suppose is the end of the road.