Chapter Five__Part:1

The next morning, I woke determined to get the information I needed to leave this realm and return to mine. I have to figure out a way to talk to Kaden about ways to contact the other realms and how it's possible to get there. I need an excuse that won't make what I'm doing obvious. I, of course, want to help them, but I need to let Lily know I'm safe. At least figure out a way to call my aunt; by now, I know Lily and Aunt Val are looking for me, and we have always promised to stay together.

After breakfast, I went to the courtyard, where Kaden was training with some of his warriors. He noticed me approaching and dismissed the warriors, turning to face me with a guarded expression. "Astrid, I owe you an apology for yesterday."

I shook my head. "No, Kaden. I'm the one who should apologize. I let my emotions get the better of me. But we need to find a way to compromise."

He nodded, his eyes softening. "I understand. Let's talk."

We walked to a quiet corner of the courtyard, away from prying eyes and ears. I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "Kaden, I know you're trying to protect your people, and I respect that. But I have people who depend on me, too. My team, my family. They need to know I'm okay."

He looked thoughtful, then sighed. "Astrid, the magic that brought you here is powerful and unpredictable. Contacting your world could expose us to dangers we're not prepared for. But I promise you this: I will do everything I can to find a safe way for you to reach your family and team."

I felt a surge of hope. "Thank you, Kaden. That means a lot to me."

He placed a hand on my arm, his gaze steady. "We're in this together, Astrid. Your presence here is important, but so is your peace of mind. We'll find a way."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Thank you."

"How about we take the day off from training and study the amulet?"

"I like the idea, but wouldn't Torin be disappointed?" I glanced at the other warriors training, making small glances at me.

"After yesterday, I think he'll understand."

"Alright. Do you have a waterfall or beach in your kingdom?" I asked Kaden, and I noticed some more glances becoming consistent.

"We have both, but the waterfall is closer to the Palace. It is a safer option. The elders would not be happy if something happened to you," he said as he led the way back to the palace.

We approached the garage part of the palace, my eyes taken a bit back at fancy high-tech vehicles. "Woah."

"What? Didn't think we had modes of transport, huh," I glanced at him as I observed the eight vehicles. "Just because we are in a different realm doesn't mean we're behind on technology."

I gave a side eye, "Anyways, which car are we taking?"

"We're taking this one," He says, pointing at a black SUV truck.

We get in the car and begin driving towards the waterfall. After being quiet for a few minutes, I was about to break the silence, but Kaden beat me to it.

"How are you holding up here? I know it's only been a couple of days."

"I mean, it's alright. I don't think your people like me very much," I sighed slightly.

"What makes you say that?" he asked in confusion.

"They kept glancing at me this morning on the field. I think I pissed them off with how I spoke to you yesterday."

He parked the car, and my eyes were met with one of the most beautiful scenes I had seen before me, which stretched a lush, verdant landscape bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. Towering trees framed the view, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze, creating a soothing symphony of nature. In the distance, a majestic waterfall cascaded down a series of rocky cliffs, the water sparkling like diamonds as it tumbled into a crystal-clear pool below.

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace and wonder. With its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, this place felt like a hidden paradise, a perfect escape from the chaos of everyday life.

Kaden opened my door and held a hand out for me. No one had ever opened a car door for me, so I smiled at him, "Thank you."

"You are welcome. Welcome to Guard Cove," I stand in awe of this place's beauty.

"This place is breathtaking," our eyes land on one another's.

"It truly is," he said without taking his eyes off mine. "And they were glancing because no one has ever spoken to me like that."

In an instant, I felt a little bad, "I'm sorry again, Your Majesty. I shouldn't have spoken in that manner to you."

"Don't apologize. I found it refreshing." His eyes gave me a different feeling. I hadn't noticed how mesmerizing they were—a honey hazel color that is captivating.

"And again... you call me Kaden, not Majesty." Our faces are now inches away from each other. Our eyes met as if it were the first time again. The silent moments we shared felt the loudest.

A mix of emotions rushed through me. I got overwhelmed with not knowing how to feel, and my nerves got the best of me. I released a small smile, "Well then, thanks for forgiving me."

He backs away a couple of steps and smiles, "Right so," he says nervously. "You brought the amulet?"

"I don't go anywhere without it," I take the amulet from my bag.

We walked down the narrow path toward the waterfall, the sound of rushing water growing louder with each step. When we reached a small clearing by the pool, he motioned for me to sit on a smooth rock with a perfect view of the waterfall.

I sat, the cool stone refreshing against the heat of the day. Kaden settled beside me, and we both paused to take in the serene beauty around us. The amulet felt heavy in my hand, its carvings catching the sunlight. "This place is perfect," I said softly, my gaze fixed on the waterfall. "Thank you for bringing me here."

Kaden smiled, a glint of pride in his eyes. "I thought you might appreciate it. It's one of my favorite spots."

I turned to him, feeling the weight of my mission settle over me once more. "Kaden, I need to understand more about the amulet and its connection to this world. It's the key to everything, isn't it?"

He nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yes, the amulet is incredibly powerful. It's said to be a conduit between realms, and its magic is deeply intertwined with the prophecies that foretold your arrival."

I traced the carvings on the amulet with my fingers, feeling a faint pulse of energy beneath my touch. "What do the prophecies say about me? Why was I brought here?"

Kaden took a deep breath, his gaze distant as he recalled the ancient texts. "The prophecies speak of a traveler from another realm, one who will play a crucial role in uniting our world and protecting it from the threats that seek to destroy it. You were brought here because the amulet chose you. It recognized something within you that makes you essential to our cause."

I swallowed hard, the enormity of my role sinking in. "I know this, but why me? I'm just an archaeologist. What can I do that no one else can?"

Kaden reassures me, "You have a unique perspective and skills that we need. Your knowledge of ancient civilizations and your ability to decipher symbols and texts are invaluable. More than that, you have a strength and determination that the amulet recognized."

I looked at him, searching his eyes for any hint of doubt. But all I saw was an unwavering belief in me. It was both comforting and daunting.

"We need to understand more about the amulet's history and its full capabilities," Kaden continued. "There are ancient texts in the library that might hold the answers. We've only scratched the surface."

I nodded, determined to uncover the secrets that had brought me here. "Then let's get started. We need to know everything if we're going to figure out a way to contact my world and stop whatever threats are coming."

Kaden smiled, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "You truly are remarkable, Astrid. Your dedication and courage are exactly what we need."

A blush crept up my cheeks, and I turned my attention back to the waterfall, trying to hide my embarrassment. "Thank you... Something I haven't mentioned before was that I felt the amulet get warm and almost like a buzz in my palms. It hasn't happened since it brought me here."

"Surely it was connecting with you. Now, we need to find a way for you to connect with it and be able to do it by your own will. You got this, you'll see," Kaden reassured me, his voice filled with unwavering confidence.

I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes softened when he looked at me, the intensity of his gaze melting into something more tender. The way he believed in me, how he saw strength and resilience even when I doubted myself, it was a kind of comfort I hadn't expected to find in this world.

His hand brushed against mine, lingering just a moment longer than necessary. "I know it feels overwhelming now," he added softly, "but you're stronger than you think, Astrid. Together, we'll make this happen."

A smirk tugged at my lips as I locked eyes with him, feeling a spark of reassurance. "You always know what to say, huh? It's almost like you're trying to impress me."

Kaden chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Maybe I am, or maybe I just know you better than you think."

I raised an eyebrow, teasing him. "Well, keep it up. I might just start believing you actually have this all figured out."

He shot me a quick grin, the tension between us still there, hovering just below the surface. "Guess you'll have to stick around and find out."

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we decided to head back to the palace. The journey back was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts. When we reached the garage, Kaden turned to me with a thoughtful expression.

"I've been thinking about what you said earlier about needing to contact your team," he began. "There might be a way, but it's risky. I'll speak with the elder advisors and see what can be done. In the meantime, keep the amulet close and continue your training. We'll need every advantage we can get."

I felt my face light up, "What? Thank you, thank you." Before I could stop myself, I jumped to hug him.

Kaden seemed momentarily surprised but then gently returned the embrace, his strong arms wrapping around me in a way that felt both protective and comforting. We stood like that for a brief moment, the warmth of his body in stark contrast to the cool evening air.