They went into the back of the mildew smelling interior where it was considerably darker.
Avery said, "Stop."
Nia looked around and was surprised. She couldn’t help but wonder what they were really doing here. Why would they need chains on the wall and a steel table? The chair with the straps was definitely the kicker.
Avery noticed where she was looking, but so did Aaron and his jaw dropped.
"What the...”
He was cut off by a tense Avery.
"Look I don't expect either of you to understand but this place is necessary. I know you don't get it right now and I promise we would never even dream of doing anything to harm either one of you.” she said fiercely, she needed them to trust her in order to keep them safe.
Darragh spoke up then, "Someday soon you will know why this is here. I assure you all is not as it seems.” he said waving at their surroundings. "But Avery is right you are indeed safe with us.” he added in as assuring a tone as he could manage.
Nia really didn't give a crap what anyone said at this point. At the first sign of danger she would grab Aaron and they would bolt! He was looking at her clearly trying to gage if she still was in her right mind or seeing if she had her wits about her in her dazed state. Nia walked closer to Aaron wanting to be right there beside him, just in case.
Darragh had his eyes closed as he turned to face the back wall while Avery addressed Nia and Aaron.
"Look this is going to be weird for you two. But you’ve each dreamt before and met her. This time we're going to have you sleepwalk into a dreamscape and then make a transfer. You'll be guided by Darragh and then Eric will transfer us to a safer place.” Avery said not really knowing who this Eric was.
At the mention of his name Nia stiffened, ‘She couldn’t be speaking about the same Eric that I named.’ At least she hoped it wasn’t him, she hadn't even had a chance to explain it fully to Aaron. This could definitely put a damper on things between them. Not that there was anything really going on with them or anything. Eric was just a guy in a dream world, bound to her.
Well there was the part that he happened to give her his soul, no biggie. As for Aaron, he was more than that to her. She really had no doubt, not that she'd admit it, at least not yet.
"I'll remain here to guard you on this side." Avery finished.
With that Darragh stepped forward and spoke turning to them, "Epifania and Aaron I will be your guide to the dreamscape and Eric will be your Protector once we are inside."
"Call me Nia please.” she interrupted and Darragh gave a curt nod.
"Of course, now, if at any point myself or Eric say to 'wake now' you must follow the instructions precisely. Do you understand?” they nodded in unison.
Darragh continued nodded back, "We are going into this room behind me where it is considerably darker. I need you to relax and listen to my voice. After you are good and relaxed I will pull you into a day dream and you will become half conscious. At that point I will take your hand and walk you through the veil. We will go in through Aaron's subconscious, so naturally he will go first. This is a rather unusual way to dreamscape at first but it’s not safe to just open a realm right now." They both nodded once more.
Avery spoke up then, "Look I know this is a lot for you guys to take in but I swear on my life that you can trust us. We're the good guys here. Please try and remember that.” she said clearly annoyed with the lack of trust she was getting.
"Oh yes and keep your eye on Darragh's light until he takes your hand. That is what he will guide you through the darkness with. It will be okay.”
Aaron grabbed Nia's hand and they were both breathing deep. "Aaron I have to tell you something." She whispered leaning her head closer to him and then he leaned closer to her.
"Nia what's wrong?" They spoke in whispers as they followed the spot of light.
"I dreamt of Lilly but someone else was there. It was a guy and he said he's my protector at least in my dream realm. Lilly disappeared before he appeared and he wouldn’t tell me his name so I gave him one and it was Eric. I’m not certain but it may be the same guy. Anyways, I thought it was shady of Lilith but I really have no clue about any of it or what it means. This bracelet was a gift from him as a vow I guess to protect me. The blue stone is important to him and I don't know much more than that. That's all he could tell me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. We just didn't have time to talk about it. And I barely know you and...” she quickly spouted.
Aaron stopped her with a finger to her lips. He noticed the tears in her eyes and wondered what they were doing there. She really had nothing to be sorry for.
Nia felt crushed by everything that was happening. There's nothing that can prepare a person for the way her day was going. How could she be so worried about what he thought or if it would hurt him. This really was getting to be too much for her. She didn't want him to think she was a liar but she didn't owe him anything either. What the heck was fate thinking throwing all this crap at her at once?
Aaron felt jealousy rearing its ugly head and quickly dismissed the thought. He wouldn't let ‘dream guy’ bother him. It's not like Nia was his or anything, not really.
"It's okay. I promise it'll be okay. Everything is happening crazy fast and there wasn't time." He said, adding, "It's not like your mine or anything, right?"
Nia sighed, "Maybe not. But I know we were supposed to meet and to me that counts for something."
The honesty and reverence that Nia spoke with had Aaron smiling, "I appreciate that Nia, I really do. I'm just terrified to over step my bounds and push you away before we even get anywhere."
Nia laughed and Aaron looked puzzled. If he only knew, she felt the same way.
"I think we just need to take it slow, but it doesn't change what I'm feeling.” she said stepping closer and taking his hand again.
"You're my Guardian right? At least that's what Eric said. I assume that's at least part of why Lilly came to see you. She told me something about fate, so I am pretty sure this will all turn out okay." He said as he squeezed Nia's hand one last time. Grateful for her strength and understanding.
Aaron was deep in thought about Lilly, what Nia had described and how she acted was definitely odd behavior. "Why would Lilly disappear like that? Something isn't right about her. Let's just be careful who we trust, okay? I trust you and you trust me and everything else we can weigh out together." Aaron suggested quickly.
The light stopped and Darragh spoke, "This is it now relax and close your eyes."
Nia bit her lip and closed her eyes then began to shiver, she was so afraid of what all this meant.
Aaron was trying hard not to shake but she could feel him shivering too.
She was starting to worry about him too. 'This was just too much crap in one day.’ she thought. While Aaron wished someone could just lay it out for them in plain English! Nia waited as Aaron's hand went slack in hers. Before she could panic she felt Darragh's pull like a thread wrapped around gripping her insides and jerking on her. Her ears hummed then everything faded, all of her feeling, poof! Gone!
Nia felt weightless as her eyes fluttered open. She was in Aaron's apartment with shivers racking her body. It was darker and brighter if that made any sense, more vivid maybe. And fully furnished she noticed. Nice.
"You okay?” Aaron asked brushing his lips across her cheek causing her shivers to lessen and her mind to slow a bit. He was comforting her and had no idea how affected she was by it. She squeezed his hand and responded quietly, "As good as can be I guess.” she gave a weak smile and tried to get some comfort in his eyes. It worked a little. Nia was wondering if she should stop grabbing his hand.
She was worried about making this all awkward later on. She knew what she was feeling and that he felt the same but seriously, 'I've only known him twenty four hours!’ she reminded herself.
Eric walked in and stopped short staring at their locked hands, a quick look of hurt washed over his rugged features then reformed into a m
ask of nothingness. He gave her a curt nod, "Nia.", she nodded back and didn't say a word. Her stomach twisted with worry and relief mixing together. Had he known that she wanted him to kiss her when they had met?
He was so very sweet and well Aaron was just a guy she'd met at the time. But with things rapidly changing it was hard to be here with them both and not feel kind of awkward. There was nothing she hated more than a love triangle, 'God I hope that's not what this is... Note to self, fate is a shady character.’ she thought, smirking.
Darragh spoke first. "Eric, this is Aaron and you already know Nia." He stepped forward and shook Aaron's hand then took Nia's and bowed slightly letting her hand fall back to her side. That stung Nia worse than she thought it would. They had been on the verge of a sort of intimacy when she last saw him and he gave her his soul.
She didn't even know what to think anymore, this was really, really crappy. She had to make sure and send the right signals to Eric and to Aaron, but Nia was confused as to what she was feeling herself. 'Ugh.'
"It's time.” Eric said, his voice velvety soft and warm, as a door appeared in the wall next to the kitchen with light peeking out from its borders. Darragh opened the door and looked around and then motioned for them to go in. Eric stood by the doorway,
"After you.” he said to Aaron who moved forward but Nia hung back.
Aaron went through slowly letting go of Nia's hand. She followed but not too close behind. Eric came in right after her and Darragh followed. Eric stepped up to the door they'd just come through and placed his hand on the wall till it blurred and disappeared.
They turned the corner and were standing in what looked like a posh waiting room with gold trimmed huge portraits of what looked like royalty.
There was a receptionist who stood and said, "She's been expecting you." To which Darragh replied, "Thank you Alana.” he gave her a curt nod and walked to the door at the end of the short hall turning to the others he said,” I will wait here."
Eric went in first and motioned for them to follow him. He ushered them into an elaborate office. There was a regal looking desk and Lilly, or Lilith as she had told Aaron to call her, was standing by a large bookshelf returning a book to its spot.
She clapped her hands together as they entered the room, "I am so happy to see both of you.” she said with a sugary sweet smile. Her bright golden curls were intricately woven in braids and pincurls. The white skirt and matching jacket was a very professional look for her. She no longer resembled that young girl she had seemed to be earlier.
"Please sit.” she motioned to the two chairs like she was on the Price is Right showing off what you could win.
Nia sat and Aaron followed while Eric stood behind Nia's chair protectively his eyes were narrowed in Lilly's direction. She shifted under his scrutinizing gaze increasingly uncomfortable.
"Lilith.", Eric said shortly acknowledging her with tension evident on his face.
Lilly's smile was full of venom and directed at Eric.
'That can't be good.’ Nia thought.
Lilly cleared her throat, "Now I know each of you has a plethora of questions. The fact remains that until Nia discovers who she truly is my hands are tied, or my tongue rather. At least in that area. You must find out explicitly on your own or together. But it must be without mine or any other who is from our world's help." She nodded in Eric's direction and he sighed heavily.
Not happy Nia huffed and made it obvious, nearly growling at Lilith. "How the heck am I supposed to figure this out on my own!? I mean this is all interesting but it's really annoying too!" she said trying not to sound like a whiny child.
Aaron started to speak but Lilith waved him silent and spoke sternly.
"You must go on the journey that you had planned prior to any knowledge of all of this. That will lead you to the truth, of that I have no doubt at all. I do realize this is difficult Nia but it will all fall into place when you have completed your journey.”
Nia sighed heavily and crossed her arms in frustration.
"I'm going with her.", Aaron blurted without even considering how he was going to explain all of the time off to Leo.
Lilith smiled thoughtfully. "You are supposed to be there, young Aaron.” she said.
Nia beamed at Aaron with tears threatening to spill, "Thank You,” she whispered.
"Now then Nia, Aaron knows only slightly more than you and I do hope that you won't hold it against him. He knows only what he needs to know, nothing more. It is so he may provide you the proper protection." Lilith explained glancing between them both.
"Eric will go with you as well. I have personally made it possible for him to do so." Eric's eyes went wide. Apparently this was news to him too.
"But how?” Eric asked dumbfounded.
"You will keep your current form to do so, I hope you are okay with this, Eric.” she said gracing him with another vehement grin.
"I have a question.” Nia interrupted holding up her like a kid in a classroom.
"So Aaron is my Guardian and Eric is my Protector, right?"
Lilith smiled, "My you catch on quickly dear. Yes they are both sworn to you, but in very different ways.” she said reaching for her desk drawer.
"Now this was going to happen much later but since you have discovered that Aaron is your Guardian we can seal that bond now if you aren’t opposed. It will also be safer for the two of you." Nia looked at her questioningly and Eric clenched his fists by his side.
"What do you mean safer?” Nia inquired.
“Well once you are bound you will have a closer connection and he will be able to protect you better.”
"I have begun the process on Aaron. He has the marks to prove it." She said coming to look at Aaron's wrist. "Hmm... the two of you have had contact, a kiss perhaps?” she asked with a giggle.
"You can see it has already begun to spread." She said with a grin.
Both Nia and Aaron were slack jawed at that revelation and Eric was a stoic statue. There were in fact new lines Aaron hadn't noticed reaching around up the back of his wrist.
"Alright Nia now would be the time for your inquiries, after this it will be done. There's no turning back." Standing, Nia pulled Aaron up with her then asked Lilith a question.
"What do the marks he has now mean?"
Lilly touched the marks just barely causing Aaron to twitch. "These marks signify Aaron's oath to be your Guardian. It was his agreement that got these marks started. Usually both parties are present but you were not aware and were going to need him sooner rather than later."
Nia nodded her understanding then looked at Aaron, who was staring at her with his arms crossed tightly in front of his broad chest. "Are you sure about this?"
Snapping out of a daze he quickly responded, "Yes.", meeting her sparking amber eyes.
"I'm willing to do anything to keep you safe. There's no doubt in my mind this is just how it's supposed to be." Aaron was so certain, his gut was telling him this was more than right.
Smiling broadly Nia stared in Aaron’s eyes and felt warmth spread throughout her body. How could she possibly not follow through with this? His eyes spoke volumes to her and she knew this was meant to be, her and Aaron, it was fate, even if it was a guardian thing.
They stared at each other as Lilly spoke.
"Eric, please come and remove the amulet until the bonding has been completed. I am sure you know what would happen if it were I who was to remove it."
Eric stiffened then nodded, clenching his jaw. He walked to Nia and she turned towards him. Aaron took a step forward and asked Lilly a hushed question Nia couldn't hear it and she wasn't worried about that now.
Her full attention was given to the set of crystal clear blue eyes that had her insides doing somersaults. In those precious seconds she swore his mouth twitched the smallest grin indicating he was indeed aware of her reaction to him. What in the world was wrong with her? She wasn't the dumb fickle girl! That was Lena's job.
"Nia.", he breathed almo
st inaudibly and took her wrist. "This will change nothing of my promise. Our oath has already been sealed." He gave a brief smile took a deep breath and put a finger to the clasp and it glowed a bright blue. Carefully he removed the bracelet and held it in his hand with a deep sigh.
"I will be right outside." He patted her shoulder on his way out of the door. Nia couldn't help but feel at a loss without his soul on her tattoo. Her skin still burned where he'd touched her shoulder.
She would have to figure out what was up with the weird attraction she felt whenever he touched her. 'Later', she told herself almost scolding.
Lilly walked to her side and Aaron moved to be directly in front of her. Immediately Nia noticed how a wedding would feel, face to face with Aaron.
"Today we will complete the bond that has already begun. Are you in agreement with this Nia?"
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