Between Both Worlds

Chapter two

Alicia hit the ground hard, sand scratching her palms and knees. She groaned, lifting herself slowly, heart hammering in her chest. The library, the book, it all felt unreal. And now, she wasn’t in the library anymore.

Around her, the landscape was unlike anything she had ever seen. Sparse trees stretched against a pale, dusty terrain, the sand crunching beneath her shoes. It looked like a desert, but deserts didn’t have trees. The air smelled different, sharper, almost metallic.

“Where the hell am I?” she whispered, her voice trembling. No one answered. Only the faint rustle of leaves and distant murmurs carried through the air.

Instinct pushed her forward.

She followed the sounds, unsure of what she was listening for, yet drawn to them. The farther she walked, the more the landscape changed.

The sand gave way to a smooth, tarred road, so out of place in the wilderness, and her footsteps echoed strangely against it.

After what felt like an eternity, Alicia’s eyes widened. In the distance, towering gates appeared, ornate and gleaming. The sunlight caught the metallic carvings, making them sparkle like diamonds.

Beyond the gates lay a city, houses of glass, streets shining as if paved with crystals. The name “QASIRA” was etched boldly above the main gate. Alicia’s lips parted in awe.

She reached instinctively for her phone, but it was back in her bag, still at the library. Panic threatened to rise in her throat, but she swallowed it. She had no choice but to enter.

As she stepped inside, the city felt alive. People moved gracefully, dressed in vibrant, daring clothing. Women were tall and statuesque, their beauty striking in a way that made Alicia feel, ordinary.

Men walked with power and confidence, their eyes sharp and assessing. The city hummed with energy, but Alicia felt invisible and out of place.

People whispered as she passed, they looked at her like she was a different specie.

A young woman with dark skin, long black hair cascading to her waist, and a sharp gaze stood near a stall selling bangles. Alicia approached cautiously.

“Hi,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

The woman tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Hey. You’re, not from here, are you?”

“I… I’m lost. I don’t even know where I am,” Alicia admitted, her hands twisting nervously.

The woman’s eyes widened as Alicia explained the library, the book, and the strange transport. She stared at Alicia for several long moments, then finally spoke.

“Come with me,” she said simply.

Fear coiled in Alicia’s stomach. “To where? How do I know I can trust you?”

“You have no other choice,” the woman replied. Her accent was strange, musical. “I’ll take you to someone who can help. My name is Tazamun.”

Despite her hesitation, Alicia followed. Tazamun led her through the city to a sleek black sedan.

The vehicle was unlike anything Alicia had ever seen, low, elegant, and obviously expensive. Alicia hesitated at the door.

“Go on,” Tazamun said, glancing at her without moving her eyes from the road. “I’ll drive you there.”

Inside, the car smelled faintly of leather and perfume.

Alicia sank into the seat, heart racing as the world outside blurred past. Every detail of the city was overwhelming, exotic cars, sparkling streets, people who looked more like statues than humans.

“What’s your name?” Tazamun asked eventually, breaking the silence.

“Alicia.”

“You’re very beautiful,” Tazamun said.

Alicia laughed nervously. “Compared to you? I’m plain."

Tazamun smiled, not unkindly. “You’re not.”

After a tense, silent drive, they arrived at a large, old house, shadowed and imposing.

For the first time since she arrived, Alicia saw something less than perfection, a building that carried history in its stones.

A croaking voice called from inside, “Who is it?”

Tazamun pushed the door open. “It’s Alicia. She’s the one.”