Between Two Worlds

Chapter 11 Nathaniel

Nathaniel POV

I steady my hand on the Cristallo. Closing my eyes I begin the incantation to open a portal. The situation is escalating quicker than we expected. Neve’s powers are growing stronger each day, despite the protection charms that have been placed over her. Her visiting us without being summoned proved that. Her unexpected visit was a catalyst for Edgar to expand his hunt to find the one threat to his reign. He sensed her presence, and it has sent him into overdrive. He will not stop until she is dead and his place as Alpha is secure.

After much discussion with Noelle, I have decided to take a massive risk and visit Neve in the Summer Realm. It wasn’t easy convincing Noelle that this was a journey I must undertake alone. My heart aches understanding how much she misses her daughter, but the risk is too great. I am prepared to risk my own life, but I could not bear the thought of something happening to Noelle. She is my world, and the loss of a fated mate is too much for me.

The Cristallo’s glow changes from purple to amber. It is time. I feel the familiar lurch of my stomach and there is momentary darkness before I find myself in a bedroom. It is dark. I look at the alarm clock on the bedside table and see it is 2 am. I can see Neve is still asleep in her bed, so I take the time to look around her room. The bright decorations indicate she is a happy child- each of the four walls of her bedroom are painted a different bright and bold colour. I turn my head seeing orange, fluorescent pink, green and purple. She is sleeping in a white canopy bed, with a white bedspread covered with tiny rainbows and way too many pillows to be practical. In the corner is a desk with a corkboard covered in photographs. I smile sadly as I pause to observe a photograph of Noelle and me sitting on the Sangue Luna beach almost 20 years ago. Surrounding this photograph are shots of her friends. I can see a picture of Neve hugging Jonty and Angie with a young man I can only assume is Duke. He has grown into a very strong handsome looking young man, a perfect mate for our little Neve as Noelle would say. There is another photo of Neve and Duke with four other teens in various settings, I am unsure of who they are exactly, but I assume the most muscular boy is Jake, and the dark-haired boy is Samuel, Neve’s love interest, and the two girls are Anita and Fleur. Sighing, I turn around ready to summon Neve’s wolf when I trip over a stray pair of shoes on the floor. I chuckle to myself at this typical teen behaviour that I have missed out on. I must have made more noise than I expected because Neve has started to awake. She sits up sleepily and notices my presence.

“Dad?” she asks incredulously. “What are you doing here?”

“Hey, bambina,” I soothe moving towards her. I pull out some silver dust and sprinkle it over her eyes as she starts to fall back asleep. “Shhhhhh now my sweet Neve, when you wake this will just seem like another dream.”

I carefully lay her back down on her ridiculous mound of pillows and begin my incantation to summon Neve’s wolf. It is only a few moments before the spirit of Neve’s wolf rises out of her body and floats above her. She is just as graceful and beautiful as Neve’s human form. She looks at me in silence, trusting me unquestioningly just as Neve does.

Without hesitation, I begin to explain my need for summoning her. “The situation is escalating quickly. I can no longer guarantee Neve’s safety until she is 18, and when she finally has her first shift I am unsure of whether I will be able to get to her in time to guide her to use her newfound powers to protect herself.”

Neve’s wolf c***s her head to the side, indicating that she wants more information.

I nod and continue. “I need to place this,” I held up a small crystal from the Cristallo, “on Neve’s forehead. Once the crystal has absorbed, you will retain all the knowledge Neve will ever need to know about her people and their history, and what she needs to do to protect herself. You will know when the time is right to meld your consciousness with hers to share this knowledge with her. Are you willing to help me?”

Neve’s wolf does not move for a few moments. I hold my breath, praying to the Moon Goddess that she does not refuse me. After what appears to be an eternity, Neve’s wolf gives a tiny nod in agreeance.

I let out a huge sigh, “Thank you! You are a courageous and generous spirit.” The wolf shakes her mane as if to brush my compliment off. I chuckle at her as I move closer to Neve. “This will only take a few moments, and once it is complete your spirit will return to Neve’s body.”

I lean over and gently kiss my sweet bambina’s cheek. I try not to think that this may be the last time that I get to show my baby that I love her. I place the crystal on the centre of her forehead and quietly whisper the incantation required to activate the crystal. As it glows purple, I see Neve’s wolf’s eyes mimic the crystal’s actions. “Good,” I nod with satisfaction. “It is working.”

After several moments, the crystal is fully absorbed inside Neve and her wolf silently returns to her body. I lean over and tuck a stray curl behind Neve’s ear. “Goodbye, my sweet bambina. I pray the Moon Goddess watches over you and keeps you safe.”

I take a step back and place my hand over the pendant on my chest and I see nothing but blackness as I return to the Cristallo.