by A L Hart
“Your pursuit does not concern them,” Tathri said, voice a deep rumble. Thick dreads ran down his back, his dark skin stark against the white clothing. There was an ethereal glow about him, as well as an uncanny air of tranquility. All he needed was a halo to complete the angelic appearance.
“You know as well as I, all of this has to do with everyone in this shop. The clock, for now it lies still, but the Five will soon rouse it and time will move forward. Tick tock, tick tock, who will stop the clock~.”
“As if I would let you anywhere near it,” he seethed.
“As if I will let you live,” Jera vowed.
“Interesting, interesting! How about—how aboooouut we play a game. Tag, I believe it’s called? If you win, I will leave the clock alone and give the succubus her body back, but if I win—I get to eat all of your souls and turn you into dolls. By the way, this isn’t a negotiation, but a statement of fact. Everyone clear? Splendid! Now catch me if you can~” Those were its last words before, behind it, part of the coffeeshop blotted out, a black gape opening wide in its place. The cold it released shorted out even Jera’s fire.
It was this port the cat jumped through without a second thought, Tathri charging in after him, then—
“Jera, stop!” But I was too late as she disappeared into the void. The void which was growing smaller and smaller.
All I could think of was Inoli’s words. Don’t enter the Shatters separately. If ever one of us was in one world and the other was in another, it would be almost impossible to find someone who could open the gateway in time before Jera perished from the bond.
I stepped toward the void then drew up short. Behind me, Danny stood with eyes wide, trembling visibly.
My thoughts raced at a speed light envied.
I’d told him I would never leave him forever, but entering into a portal alone, a portal which led to some deadly world, wouldn’t that mean I broke my promise to him should I die? How long before the authorities found out about him and took him away? How long before his world crumbled, too?
His eyes met mine, golden gaze lit with something I couldn’t place. He extended his hand towards mine, and just when I thought he would take my sleeve and tug me back . . . he closed his fingers into a fist and smiled. “I’ll hold the torch, boss.”
Something like pride bled into my chest. This boy, no matter what happened in this other world, I would return to him.
My fist against his was the last thing I saw before I jumped to an uncertain future.
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