Part VIII: Family Reunion Chapter 30
As Carlyle awoke, he found himself lying on his mother's lap, a reassuring and familiar presence in the midst of confusion.
"What just happened?" Carlyle questioned, lifting his head from Tierney's lap.
"You just fell," Kathrine explained, embracing her brother. Courtney and Niall shared their concerns about Carlyle's well-being, recounting the unsettling episode of his involuntary shaking and the fear that he might not wake up.
"I'm awake now," Carlyle reassured them, looking around at the worried faces. "And I remember everything up to now."
The mention of Emmet Silverton stirred curiosity among the group. Carlyle disclosed that Emmet was the one who saved him from Enixa and raised him until Victor intervened.
Victor, the ominous figure from Carlyle's memories, had cast a sleep spell on him for twelve years, explaining the memory gap. The revelation about Emmet's fate left Tierney visibly worried.
"Victor has him still, and he is still in the sleep spell I was in," Carlyle shared, his gaze shifting between his uncle and the concerned faces around him.
"Is he alive?" Dean asked, to which Carlyle confirmed, "Yes, he is."
Dean's connection to Emmet became apparent as he revealed their shared history and Emmet's role in bringing Tierney and Dean together. Emmet's unconventional motive—pretending to be in love with Tierney to appease his parents—added a layer of complexity to the past.
As the group prepared to continue their journey, Carlyle suggested using their powers to find a way out. Despite initial hesitation, Carlyle, Kathrine, and Niall decided to give it a try.
Kathrine, Carlyle's sister, joined hands with him, intending to unleash their powers together. Instead of the usual manifestation of wings and contrasting elements, a portal materialized before them.
"It's working," Niall exclaimed with relief.
Dean offered a word of caution, reminding them to be careful as they entered the portal, emphasizing the uncertainty on the other side. As the portal expanded, revealing the first floor, everyone prepared to step through.
However, upon reaching the first floor, they were greeted by unexpected figures—a woman and a man—who seemed to have been waiting for them.
"What took you guys so damn long?" the woman asked with a young girl's voice.
"We have been waiting so damn long," added the man with a deeper tone.
Courtney questioned their identities, to which the man replied, "He is here to stop you guys."
Carlyle, unfazed, responded with a nonchalant comment. The woman, named Karen, and the man, Justin, engaged in banter with the group, revealing a complex history.
Dean recognized Justin, referencing their past encounters, while Karen displayed hostility and skepticism. The revelation that Karen had a twin brother, Ryan, added another layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
As the group faced the impending confrontation, Dean suggested splitting up, taking into account Justin's Shadow Magic, which allowed him to teleport them wherever he wished. The tension heightened as the darkness enveloped the surroundings, signaling the beginning of a challenging confrontation.