Breakthrough

Way to the Surface

Levi

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The gentle warmth of the sun woke me from a peaceful sleep. I burrowed deeper into the soft mattress, inhaling the familiar scent of home. Slowly, I opened my eyes, greeted by the sight of turquoise waves rolling beyond the glass doors. The ocean breeze, though distant, seemed to carry its salty tang right to my senses. Everything felt serene.

Then, I felt it—a hand wrapped around my waist, strong and comforting. My heart stirred, and I clasped the hand gently with mine, savoring the intimacy.

“Good morning,” a soft voice whispered, followed by a kiss on my earlobe, sending a ripple of warmth through my body.

I turned toward him, eager to see his face, but an overwhelming brightness obscured his features. His chuckle echoed just as the light intensified, blinding me. I shut my eyes against the brilliance.

When I opened them again, I was standing before a portal—a swirling vortex of white light. The vision of us together lingered, vivid and haunting. Was that a memory? Impossible. No one in the Underworld can recall their human past. And yet...

Could Killian be the man in my vision? Did we know each other before? Could our souls be intertwined across lifetimes? The questions swirled, suffocating me. I wanted answers, but stepping through this portal felt like stepping into the unknown abyss.

Killian had guided me here, after securing my escape from the black-cloaked sentinels. They were watching for me, their prey, but he managed to distract them. I had no time for hesitation. If I stayed, I’d die. If I entered, I might survive.

With a trembling hand, I reached out, brushing the edge of the swirling light. It was warm, almost inviting. Behind me, the crystal spires of the Doomers’ castle shimmered, but I didn’t look back again.

"I’ll be back," I whispered, stepping forward.

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The sensation of teleportation left me dizzy, disoriented. I landed in the middle of a busy street, cars honking as they swerved past me. Towering buildings rose around me, their glass exteriors reflecting the chaos of the city. The noise was deafening—nothing like the oppressive silence of the Underworld.

I moved to the sidewalk, blending into the flow of rushing people. None of them saw me. I was invisible, a phantom among the living. I couldn’t be touched, heard, or acknowledged. Alone in a sea of humanity.

The smells of street food wafted from nearby stalls, but I couldn’t distinguish any scent. My senses were still muted. Yet, the colors—oh, the colors! The vivid blue sky, the green of the swaying trees, the golden sunlight spilling over everything—it was breathtaking.

But my mission loomed in the back of my mind. I had no idea where to begin, no clue what the riddle meant. This wasn’t just a journey—it was a test.

As I wandered down a narrow alley, a sound caught my attention: a scuffle. At the far end, two men were beating a third against the wall. Blood dripped from the victim’s lips, staining his shirt.

The taller attacker had a scar running from his brow to his cheekbone. He lifted the man by the collar, snarling, “You’ve got two days to get our money, or you’ll be lying in the trash, cold and stiff.”

His accomplice, a muscular man with a bloodied bat, laughed, flicking a toothpick at the victim’s face.

They left him crumpled on the ground, muttering threats as they walked away.

I remained rooted, watching the man wipe blood from his face. Something in me felt compelled to stay, though I didn’t know why. Just as I decided to leave, he spoke, his voice hoarse and broken.

“What are you staring at?”

I froze. Could he see me? No one else had.

He lifted his head, and our eyes met. His were a brilliant green, glowing like emeralds. He could see me.

“Help,” he whispered, before collapsing into unconsciousness.

But how?

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