Chapter 23: Crossing Realms

Maaike quietly slipped out of the restaurant. She turned back for a moment to glance at Illyan quietly snoozing on the floor, covered with her blanket. Smiling slightly, she shook her head, and tightened the straps of her backpack before walking away.

There was still some time before the meetup time with Lothar. Taking advantage of this, Maaike sprinted towards Alyssa's apartment building. Arriving at the building, she hesitated before heading inside.

The foyer was nearly empty, most tenants still asleep or out for work. She looked over the chattering people, trying to single out her friend before she finally moved to the reception table.

"Hello, Is Alyssa Reisinger in?" The receptionist looked through her computer, then shook her head.

"She may have returned to Germany for the annual demon-hunt." Mya thanked her. She glanced at her phone, checking the time, then headed for the mailboxes.

Pulling out an envelope, her shoulders slumped as she brushed her fingers over the rough paper surface, it crinkled quietly as she lowered her gaze.

"I'm sorry, I really am a bad friend…I hope you read this." She slid the envelope into the slit of the box, with a sigh, she left the building.

The light of the sunrise was glaring, she turned away with a frown, and hurried for the city park.

As she approached, she caught sight of Lothar patiently waiting for her at the park's entrance. Arriving in front of him, she rubbed her palms together to ward off the chill that was now getting to her.

"It's getting colder by the day isn't it? Let's go." He headed back into the park, and she followed him, hitching her bag higher and stepping into the dry leaves.

As they walked, the loud crunches of leaves grew more and more frequent until Lothar stopped and turned to look at Maaike. "Is there something bothering you?"

She shook her head innocently, "If you have a problem, say it and stop making that racket." She bit the inside of her cheek as he turned away annoyed.

"How are we supposed to get to the…uhm, yeah Chaos realm?" she struggled to remember the exact name that Illyan had told her.

He glanced back at her before continuing his walk, "We first have to go to the Illusory realm, I have to meet someone there."

Nodding firmly at his response, she continued to follow him, this time silently.

They got to the middle of the park before he stopped walking. His face turned grim as he pulled out a silver sphere, like the one he had returned to Illyan and crushed it to dust. The air started to swirl around them, and he gestured for Maaike to move closer to him.

She watched stunned as the vibrant fall colours dulled to dull grey around them. Time slowed, and even the slightest movement of a leaf could be spotted.

The winds grew stronger, Maaike felt a shudder go through her body her powers sparking up in defence. It felt as though she was fizzing in and out of existence as a strange energy rushed through her body. Instinctively, she pulled strands of the power into her consciousness as she transferred between realms.

Mya's eyes fell close as the colour and light bloomed before her eyes suddenly, blinding her. Her head spun and she fell to her knees as her stomach lurched. Disregarding her state, Lothar turned to the view in front of him.

They were standing in a hill, right below them was a city bustling with people and creatures of all kings, the buildings a mix of multiple cultures and history.

"Welcome to the Realm of Illusions!" he announced, and Maaike got to her feet, dazed at the bright colours of the place. Brighter than any she had seen, the air was fresher, she felt like she was lost in a dream.

"Let's go!" Lothar marched down the hill energetically and she scurried after him, her steps faltering, into the magical city.

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llyan sat in the now crowded restaurant, stupefied. 'She left!'

The sizzling sound of hot oil crackling in pans and the rich aroma of grilled shrimp and melted butter wrapped around him yet could not warm the chill in his heart.

"She left..." he breathed out, trying to make sense of the situation.

He pondered on what had happened, the memory of her firm voice replaying in his mind. He was trying to lower her confidence and ended up being put to sleep.

'How was she able to do that?' he wondered, struggling to accept the fact that his mind had been invaded by his own student.

*And why wouldn't she be able to? She is your student after all...You almost ruined the plan you know? What's with the sudden sympathy? * The voice rasped in his head, incensed.

'Shut up! I have better things to do than play your little game...I'll pay what she owes, and you let her be.' Laughter rang shrilly through his head causing him to flinch.

His eyes heated up, and he lowered his head to the chestnut bar table with a dull thud. Hiding the glow from the people around him, he tried to calm himself, fingers drumming anxiously on the tabletop.

But you know that I'm not the only threat...I'm just the closest. * His palm hit the table with a slam as he sat up. The chatter filling the restaurant went silent as everyone turned to look at him.

He caught sight of Sarah peering at him through the kitchen window. Her concerned gaze only serving to heighten his worry.

A sudden tingle ran through his head, shocking him out of his stupor. Quickly forming in his mind, was the image of a grey throne room.

He could vaguely see a figure seated in the centre; its hand moved beckoning to him. A chill run through his body, as he felt the call to return.

He hurriedly left the building and walked to a deserted area nearby. There was a flash of blinding white light, and he was gone.