Between Both Worlds

CHAPTER THREE

The woman who stepped forward was breathtaking, tall, curvy, radiant. Her presence filled the room. Alicia froze, unsure whether to feel awe or fear.

“This is Alicia,” Tazamun introduced.

“Alicia.” the woman repeated, her voice rough, almost like gravel. Then, almost instantly, it shifted to something melodic, soft, almost sweet. Alicia blinked in confusion.

“ I was testing voice potions,” the woman said lightly, as if Alicia’s stunned silence didn’t matter.

“She’s the one,” Tazamun insisted, her tone sharp.

The woman’s eyes widened. “The one with the book?”

“Yes,” Tazamun confirmed. “She came with it.”

Alicia’s heart skipped. “Wait, how do I go home?” she asked, voice rising in panic.

“You’re in Qasira,” Tazamun explained gently. “A city of vampires.”

Alicia’s head spun. She blinked, hoping her eyes were deceiving her. “Vampires?”

“Yes. Malika, myself, and others you will meet soon. All vampires. All real,” Tazamun said.

"Well you were brought here for a specific and very special reason." Malika chimed.

"wh.. what are you talking about." Alicia asked, beads of sweat trilling down her forehead.

"You were chosen to save the vampires and humans from destruction. The..." Malika started

“You... you’re saying I’m supposed to fight… for vampires? And humans?” Alicia stammered cutting in.

Malika’s expression softened. “You’ve been chosen to maintain balance. A war is coming. Forces are gathering, forces that threaten both humans and vampires. Only you can stop it.”

Alicia laughed nervously, a hollow sound. “You must be joking right?”

Tazamun shook her head. “No. You’re in this, whether you like it or not. Lives depend on you.”

Alicia's stomach twisted and churned. She had wanted adventure, but not like this. Not in a world she didn’t understand. Not with powers she didn’t have.

“Take the book,” Malika said, sliding it toward Alicia. “It will reveal its contents when you accept your role.”

Alicia hesitated. Her fingers hovered over the cover. Every instinct screamed to run, but something in her chest, a faint, pulsing curiosity, compelled her.

She exhaled slowly, heart hammering, and reached out. The moment her fingers brushed the cover, she felt a jolt, as though electricity had surged through her veins.

Her vision blurred, the room spun, and for a heartbeat, she felt the weight of countless eyes on her.

This was no longer just a library, no longer just a city. She was part of something bigger. Something dangerous.

"I can't believe what is happening, I am a medical student and about to graduate and get a good job. This must be a nightmare and I will wake up soon." Alicia chattered aimlessly.

Malika and Tazamun glanced at each other. Tazamun walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder and tapped it gently.

Alicia bolted and retracted.

Tazamun brought down her hands.

"so.. sorry am just being.." Alicia wanted to explain.

"It's fine I understand. you need to go home and relax so you can clear your head and think clearly." Tazamun said.

"How do I get home?" Alicia asked her body shivering. Her hands clammy.

"I'll take you to someone who can help. We can't take you home from here." Tazamun explained standing up.

"Okay." Alicia said, at this point what was there to fear. In a span of two minutes she had learnt of a secret world filled with vampires.

Shaking, she followed Tazamun out of the house, clutching the book to her chest.

Every step felt heavy with responsibility, yet lighter with possibility. Outside, the city gleamed, vibrant and alien.

Malika looked at her retreating figure, her gaze fell and her eyes twitched.

The door closed softly behind them, sealing Alicia’s old life behind it.

And for the first time, she understood that her life would never be the same.