Between The Realms Chapter One

Chapter One:1

I muttered under my breath as I left the building with a box in hand. Of course most things I mumbled to myself were not very pleasant so I will keep them to myself. It's not like it was my fault my car is a piece of crap and wouldn't start this morning. Maybe if they paid me more in the first place I could afford a reliable car.2

I hauled my small box of belongings into the passenger seat of my piece of crap, faded blue tarsus and slammed the door. My first real job! My first real job and I blow it in under six months because of a hand-me-down car! Climbing into the drivers side my door complained with a rusty squeak, another sign of its age.3

Glancing in the mirror showed how the wind had whipped my chestnut hair into a body of frizz. Definitely not the most attractive. I tried to smooth it with my fingernails and then pulled out a lip gloss. It made it a little better and distracted me from my current unemployment in a big unfamiliar city.4

Ramming the keys into the ignition I attempted to start the car. Attempted being the key word here. The engine groaned and sputtered. My frustration mounted but I ground my teeth together and tried again. This time after another bout of sputtering it came to a good hum. I pulled away from the curb and headed to my favorite coffee shop. I didn't really want to go home and have nothing to do. I cleaned yesterday so it would sentence me to boredom.5

The shop was about half way between my work(well my old work) and my apartment so it was rather convenient. It was warm and inviting coming in from the cool late-fall wind. I picked up an Italian Roast and then sat in a soft arm chair. Glancing at the table I caught sight of a gossip magazine. It was one of those ones that you point and laugh at because their stories were so far out there. The front page read:6

Unarmed Killer In The City?! A series of deaths with the couriers office and police covering up something more. Several witnesses account for an unknown man bending over the victims with no weapon and turning to face them. They then remember waking up several hours later in parks or other public locations. (Pg 9)7

I rolled my eyes. Attention manics. Some people just can't stand not being the center of attention. Abducted by a killer but left to tell the tale. Pathetic. Taking a long swig of my coffee I let my mind become engulfed by the taste and smell. This was one of the few times I could really feel like I thought about nothing. It was a very satisfying sensation.8

Soon my coffee was gone with darkness approaching fast it was time to get home. Being alone outside after dark terrified me so I gathered my purse and disposed of my cup. The cool air hit me like a wall when I left. A storm was moving in.9

My car was just as cold as the wind outside and I regretted not bringing a coat. I shivered as I started the car, to my surprise, on the first try. Pulling away from the curb the usually busy street was practically vacant. It seems people don't want to be out in the storm. 10

With the clouds darkening the sky night fell much faster than I expected. I should have left sooner. My nerves were on edge so I turned on the radio to calm myself down. It worked for a while but something was still nagging at the back of my mind. Maybe it was all the 'play it safe' lessons I got from my parents when I was a kid. Tapping my fingers against the steering wheel I could feel my stomach knotting in on its self.11

I rolled to a stop at another empty intersection. Then it happened. My car staled. Groaning to myself I realized what the real problem was. I was so concerned about everything else today I had not even thought to look at the gas meter. I put on my emergency flashers and stuck the car in neutral. Getting out I decided to try to roll it backwards to a safe distance from the intersection. It wasn't that hard because there was a slight incline.12

Once my car was parked safely I put it into park, locked the doors and headed home. This was not turning out to be the best day for me. As I reached the place I usually turned I hesitated. Driving through small back streets for a faster way home was usually fine but walking...13

Paused at a literal crossroads I had to consider my options. A: I could take my normal route and be home in ten- twenty minutes. But this would involve traveling through shifty and sometimes unlit roads. B: I could take the long way and be home in 45 minutes to an hour but be on well lit and safe roads. It was also getting cold and looked like it was going to rain.14

I despised being in this circumstance. I should have taken my dad up on that offer to buy me a nice cell phone and pay for the service. Pride is what stopped me. New job, new apartment away from home I wanted to do everything myself. So stupid.15

Standing here wasting time was not doing any good. I was getting colder by the second without my coat. My nerves told me to take the long way, but that could just be my instilled fear of the dark. My cold skin and my logic told me to take the usual route because the storm was bound to break over me and I would want to be home when that happens.16

I decided to go to the right and take the shorter route. I rushed forward with my arms around me trying to get warmer. My dress shirt didn't do much to keep the cold out and my fingers rubbing my arms were the only things keeping them from going numb.17

A light drizzle started to my dismay. I felt the tiny pinpricks of water hitting me and started to walk a little faster. So far my way had been fully lit but now I turned a corner that plunged me into dim light that was only offered from a few windows and one weak light bulb of a porch.18

Heels sounding and dress pants getting more wet by the second I made my way around another corner to find a well lit street with apartments. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. It may not be my street yet but it was lit and it felt safer. The buildings were made of brick and seemed to be warm and safe after walking in the gloom.19

The rain started to come down harder and harder with every step I took. Soon everything was soaked. My hair dripped down my wet neck causing me to shudder. Though for some reason the wind that had annoyed me earlier was gone and the air seemed warmer despite the onslaught of rain.20

Not even caring anymore if I was wet I slowed my pace and started to think again. Thoughts of calling my mother when I got home went through my mind. We hadn't spoken since I moved here four and a half months ago. It seemed so long. She used to be my confidant. I could tell her anything and she would help me with it. Now that was gone. I email my father once a week and call him about once a month but everything seemed so distant.21

Now all I want is to here their voices, especially my mothers. To tell her I am sorry I moved out so soon and ignored her pleads. She was just trying to help. I decided to go home next week for thanksgivings and maybe they will let me stay through the holidays. Then I could come back and find a new job.22

Just then a blood-chilling scream lashed the air. It was a sound that I had never really truly heard before. It put the best actress to shame and sent adrenalin coursing through my veins instantly. I froze in my tracks and whipped my head around to check my surroundings. There was no one there the street was as vacant as the moment before.23

Another terrified scream echoed from the unseen woman. Looking around for a place to seek help my search came up with nothing. The buildings were dark inside, the doors locked. There was no where to go and nothing to do. I could not decide to run or try to help the woman. Survival instincts took the decision away from me and I was running before I knew it.24

I rounded the corner at a flat sprint. Survival strategies and defense moves ran through my head. My mind kept repeating over and over: “In a survival situation YOU are the most important.” I ran towards my apartment but the terrifying thing was that the screaming seemed to be getting louder. I had no where else to run so I kept going as fast as I could to reach my destination.25

As I came around the last corner I saw her. The woman was still trying to fight a man off who was doing nothing but holding her off the ground against a wall. His head was behind hers from my point of view. His chin seemed to be at the base of her neck. It didn't make sense. She saw me and screamed for me to help her. All I could do was stare. I wanted to help her but my body wouldn't allow it. 26

Slowly as I stood there panting her screams came with less and less energy. She was dying. But how? Soon there was no sound from the woman and the man dropped the silent corpse. I watched wide eyed and unmoving. The man looked up at me with an evil hate in his eyes. Faster than I would have thought possible He was there. Gripping my shoulders tightly and shaking me.27

“How much did you see?” His anger forced me even further into myself and I said nothing. He continued to shake me violently. “HOW MUCH DID YOU SEE?” He stopped shaking me, waiting for a response. 28

“I-You-Killed-”I stuttered to get the words out as my shock slipped in my breathing inhibited me as well. He gave a sound of disgust and anger. He spat out a phrase I did not understand.29

“Caetiri Lebari, Caetiri et Vadi Hahin..." Even before the foreign words were finished my eyes drooped closed. I was not able to hold to consciousness for long but I remember the feeling of being picked up. Then everything went dark and silent. 30

31


Light streamed over my eyes as I slowly woke up. I felt warm and everything was soft. I rolled over into the lush bedding and paused as a wonderful smell reached me. It was like vanilla and oranges. It was divine. The scent seemed to be coming from the pillow beneath me so I nuzzled into it. Intoxicated by the wonderful scent I just lay there for a while.32

Suddenly I remembered. I bolted straight up as adrenalin again ran through me. I looked around franticly. I was alone in one of the most gorgeous rooms I have ever seen. It seemed to be taken right out of one of those romantic movies set in 16th century Europe. The room took my breath away at every turn. With lush fabrics, high ceilings, wonderful antiques it was by far my dream room. 33

Decorated mostly in shades of lavender and plum with a few accents of the lightest pink it seemed feminine without being overly girlie. The room was also saturated with rich woods such as the walnut desk and matching night stands.34

Molding met wall paper around waist height. The molding was a creamy white color and was very detailed, similar to bead board. The wall paper was based on a medium plum, almost a dark lavender color, then had embossed layers of ornate designs done in a lighter shade of lavender. 35

The drapes of a very large window were the same color of lavender as the design on the wallpaper. They also had small pin striping in light pink. Near the window bathing in warm sunlight was a beautiful reading chair.36

A knock came at the door and I jumped at the sound. I was so absorbed in the immense amount of detail in the room that I had forgot that I was in some one else's house and I didn't know how I got there. I pulled the covers up around me, as I had realized I was in my bra and underwear. I then gathered my wits enough to respond.37

“Come in.” My worry and fear must have come through in my voice because the door opened slowly. Like when a zoo keeper approaches a distressed animal: No sudden movements. When the door was fully open a middle aged woman stood watching me. After staring at me for a moment she closed the door behind her and came to stand at the foot of the bed.38

“Good morning Miss. My name is Casandra and I have been assigned to tend to you.” She seemed just as nervous, if not more, than I was. She twisted her fingers in front of her for a minute before looking down and straightening out a crease in her apron. She seemed to be in a servants out fit right out of a story book. My silence unnerved her so she continued. “I am sure the masters give you their condolences with being brought here but welcome you all the same. If you need any thing just pull that cord,” She indicated to a small rope next to my bed. “and it will ring me.”39

It was all so surreal. I must have gone insane or something. Maybe the shock from seeing that murder last night put me into a self induced coma. It would be much simpler if it was that way but something in my brain said that it wasn't. So once I decided that I wasn't crazy a million questions entered my mind. And I launched them all at Casandra.40

“Where am I? How did I get here. Who are the Masters? Does this have to do with that guy last night? I think it does. Did he put a spell on me or did he like give me a drug? Must have been a drug. Magic isn't real. Why am I here?” I was out of breath by the time I stopped talking. Casandra seemed rather shocked by my explosion of curiosity. She chose her answer carefully.41

“The Masters of this house are Gadriel, Nicholas, Adon and Christian. And no they are not brothers.” She answered another of my questions before I could even ask it. “I am sure that they will everything before long. Maybe over breakfast you could ask them some of these things. Though you might want to get dressed.42

“I took the liberty of washing and drying your clothes you were wearing last night. They are in the closet if you wish but Master Adon had me order a wider selection for you in your sizes. Those as well are in the closet. That door-” Casandra pointed to the other door in the room. “is the bathroom it is fully stalked and ready to go.” She seemed pleased with my speechlessness. After just staring at her for a minute I found my tongue.43

“Um thank you. How long until breakfast? Oh and how do I get there?” I was afraid that by judging the entire house by what I had seen so far that the house was very large.44

“Breakfast is in an hour. To get to the breakfast room you need to go to the right outside your room, down the stairs and that will bring you to the den, then finally go through the door that is next to the table with the flowers.” She smiled and backed towards the door. “I will leave you to get ready. Call me if you need me.” I thanked her briefly before she left and then I was alone again.45

I slid out from under the silk sheets and moved towards the bathroom. Pulling open the rich wood door I was shocked beyond measure. The bathroom was bigger than my bedroom in my apartment. Beautiful stone tiles covered the floor all the way up to another door across the room. A freestanding porcine tube stood in front of a frosted glass window. A vanity with good lighting was on the opposite wall of the closet and a shower was a short distance from the bathtub.46

It was more beautiful than anything I had every seen in a magazine. It was decorated similar to the bedroom but more on the light side. More of the light pinks, purples and creams. It seemed fresh and clean. True to Casandra's word there were several soft white towels, and top of the line hair and body products.47

In a daze I seemed to float over to explore the closet. A gasp escaped my throat. It was like a boutique. Gorgeous clothes made by names so grand that I didn't want to know how much they cost. There was everything. From feminine and girlie to tom boy to fashion forward to punk to yoga to ball room apparel. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had no idea what to wear first.48

Since I was so over whelmed I decided to take a quick shower first. The hot water relaxed my muscles that had been tense since my incident at work. The knots loosened and my skin felt clean again. I didn't want to take to long knowing that breakfast was approaching fast and I had to meet four men who are hosting my stay in this beautiful house.49

After turning off the shower I wrapped up in a large white towel and walked back into the closet. I was shocked once again when I found that everything was in my size. I do suppose Casandra mentioned that but still. I slowly started going through everything. I eventually decided on a cream lace cami with a navy blue eyelet shrug and a pair of good fitting dark jeans. Strangely enough they also had several pairs of shoes laid out for my picking. Talk about service. I picked some ballerina flats that went well with the out fit.50

It was exhilarating to have all these options but at the same time it was a little forbearing. What would they expect in return? How did they get me all this stuff in one night? It all seemed very strange.51

I went over to the vanity and opened a few drawers. Delightedly I pulled out a blow drier. After all of the antiques I hadn't expected modern appliances. After blow drying my hair I tried to make a decision on straight or curly. It wasn't easy. I eventually pulled out the curling iron and set to putting a large curls in and a few ringlets around my face. I found my purse in the bedroom on a table by the reading chair. It seemed strange it was like waking up with amnesia. Everything was in its place but you just didn't know it.52

My purse still had my meager supply of make up in it so I applied some eyeshadow, mascara and lip gloss. Glancing at the clock I still had fifteen minutes some how. I must have rushed thinking I didn't have enough time. Now I had too much.53

I didn't really want to sit and think about my situation because that could turn out bad. Its best not to over think this kind of situation. So I tidied up the room...which consisted of making my bed and folding up my towel. This was so strange. I went back into the bedroom and sat in the reading chair there was a book case but I knew I would never be able to concentrate on a book so I looked out the window. 54

I had absolutely no idea where I was but it was definitely not any where near Philadelphia. Out side it was like a British garden. It was beautiful like everything else I had encountered so far but the thing that scared me the most so far was that it was absolutely NOT fall. It looked like late spring outside my window. Flowers were blooming and the sun was bright with only light white clouds in the sky.55

My pulse and breathing went up. Where am I? I thought frantically to myself. This was not right. After staring in horror for what seemed like an eternity I got up. I had to find something else to entertain my thoughts. Pacing around I felt trapped by my room so I retched open the door to find an escape.56

The impact almost knocked me to the ground as I ran into another person. Before I could fall over my self a pair of strong hands caught each of my wrists and pulled me up. I looked up to a guy that could be any where from 18 to 21 with a very muscular build. I almost melted right there. The stranger kept hold of my wrists and chuckled to himself.57

“Well, well, what have we here?” His voice had a rough huskiness to it. It was deep and solid even as he seemed to be teasing me. Mischief played in his dark almost black eyes. Confidence radiated off him as he started down at me. The stair well felt very narrow and I could not think straight. Auburn hair hanging straight down to grace his shoulders framed his strong face. As he leaned in I realized he had a sort of musty or maybe it was spicy smell about him. He laughed again at me though this time it was softer, more seductive.58

“Whats the matter? Cat got your tongue?” He leaned in even closer and released my right hand to slide his left up my arm, a chill ran through my spine. He then moved his right hand from my wrist to my cheek and then into my hairline. His stare intoxicated me to a point that I wanted to leave and at the same time stay forever. Slowly he got closer and closer.59

“GAD! Cut that out! She just got here and yet you find nothing better to do than to-as you put it- acquaint yourself with her!” The first stranger now had backed away and I felt finally that I could breath and think again. The new comer seemed slightly shorter than my first acquaintance. His shaggy brown hair was slightly unkempt which matched his baggy teeshirt and faded jeans.60

“Aw come one Nico,” He put extra emphasis on Nico and seemed to sneer with its pronunciation. “I was just having a little fun.” As he said it he looked back into my eyes and said it with a saucy and coy smile. When he turned back to the 'Nico' guy all the playfulness had gone and anger filled his continence. “I told you! Never call me Gad! Use my full name. That is if your tiny little brain can handle two extra syllables.”61

Nico replied as if it was an old standing joke. “Ah, how I missed your banter last night Gaddy, but Adon is waiting for us, in fact he was the one who sent me to get our guest.” He sent a warm grin my way as he comes up the stairs to meet us. Before I knew what was happening he had his arm around me and was leading me downstairs. He looked over his shoulder to give one last comment to his 'friend' “Oh and you would do well to use my full name as well.”62

We rounded the last flight of stairs in these small hall ways and came out into a large room filled with light. Bookcases lined the walls where the windows-which were many- were not. A few landscapes dotted one other wise unadorned wall. In the center of the room was a couch where another 'master of the house' sat. I ran through the names in my mind that Casandra had told me.“The Masters of this house are Gadriel, Nicholas, Adon and Christian. And no they are not brothers.” Well I must have already met Gadriel and Nicholas. So this could be Adon or Christian.63

The figure had been siting with his back to us. This only revealed golden hair that was the average length for a guy. In saying that it wasn't long but it wasn't buzzed either. When He stood to greet us I saw that he had lighter skin compared to the other two and was just as stunning. He was shorter than Gadriel and Nicholas by a few inches but he was still taller than me by at least 5 inches.64

Walking around the couch He was graceful and lithe. In a few short moments he was in front of me and taking my hand in a welcoming gesture. Lifting my hand he bent lower and pressed it to his lips. I was so shocked that I couldn't even think of anything to say when He spoke.65

“I have been waiting for you.” The soft statement had a musical ring to it. I was enchanted by his manners. How was this happening?! At every turn something is putting me under a spell! I wake up in the nicest room I have ever stayed in, I get my own servant, everything is ready for me and I already have three guys playing tricks with my mind! I was about to scream when the blond started to talk to Nicholas.66

“What happened Nicholas? I sent you up for her thirty minutes ago.” He didn't seem to concerned with the situation. Nicholas got a little pink before answering.67

“Well it wouldn't have taken so long if Gaddy here-” I hadn't even heard Gadriel follow us into the room and only noticed him when Nicholas motioned towards him standing behind us. “hadn't decided to 'romance' her in the hallway.” He seemed to search for a word that wouldn't be too embarrassing. Nicholas scratched the back of his head and seemed to be really nervous. The blonde sighed and proceeded to act like the piece maker.68

“Nicholas, be nicer to Gadriel. You know he prefers his full name.” He then turned on Gadriel. “And You know better. She was probably scared to death. She doesn't even know us yet.” Gadriel chuckled and folded his arms over his well developed chest.69

“Well Adon she seemed to be enjoying it to me.” His cockiness caused me to blush bright red. A chorus of reprimands were shouted from Adon and Nicholas. Gadriel held up his hands in surrender but he smirked still. “Hey just saying.” I wanted to go hide. Adon instantly took notice and offered his apologies.70

“I am so sorry for Gadriel's horrible behavior. We haven't even been properly introduced yet.” He shot a glare at Gadriel then continued. “My name is Adon Clifton, this was originally my house until they moved in.” Though one would think that He would have some malice in that statement it was said as purely a fact. He then indicated to Nicholas. “This is Nicholas Langton.” Nicholas smiled and waved in a way that was almost comical. Adon turned to Gadriel who had taken up a slouched position on the couch. “This is Gadriel Emerson. You will soon meet Christian Amery. Now we are all wondering what your name could be.”71

“Carina, my name is Carina Hartwell.” I felt a little awkward and slow to talk after listening to Adon's rolling sentences. He smiled kindly and gestured to a door on the right.72

“Come Carina I am guessing you are hungry. We have kept you from your breakfast too long. This way please.” I was sort of in a daze again as he guided me into the breakfast room. It consisted of a well lit room with a small compact table and side board. The large bay window overlooked a small lake. It was a beautiful day outside.73

I think it was that realization that made my questions come back. Even as we were seated and a male servant came in and served food my mind was else where. Gadriel and Nicholas were bantering about something I didn't catch and Adon spoke softly to the servant as he was about to return to the kitchen. I was wondering if I would ever get a chance to see my mother again when Adon interrupted my thoughts.74

“Carina, did you find your room to your liking?”His tone was gentle and polite but I could tell he was asking so much more than just if I liked my room. He seemed to know that something was wrong but did not want to directly address it. I forced a smile before answering.75

“Yes very much so. The view outside my window is very beautiful. Though...it confuses me.” In that instance everything went silent. Nicholas had put down his fork and Gadriel stared intently at me. I continued even though the anticipation in the room was thick enough to cut. “I mean, yesterday I was in Philadelphia and it was late fall. Today...” I trailed off staring out the window. It reminded me in some way of home in spring. Maybe it was the way the sun reflected off the small lake. It was similar to the pound in the back of my parents property.76

“Carina? Carina, I need you to trust us. There is a lot here you don't understand.” Adon had reached across the table and put his hand over mine. He tried to pull my gaze to his but I resisted and just started at his hand. Unexpected anger erupted in me.77

“How can I?! I have only known you for twenty minutes! I have been kidnapped! I don't know if I will ever see my family again! I don't have any answers! I just wake up being pampered to death and have this nagging feeling that you guys are hiding something from me!” I stood up and pointed at Adon. “You have no idea who I am, or where I come from. You don't know my situation. And yet you tell me to trust three men I have never met before. Even though I am probably a million miles away from home! What is going on here?”Tears were stinging my eyes as I finished my tirade. This wasn't fair.78

All three of them just stood shocked staring at me. I felt alone and alienated. Compassion leaked into Adon's eyes. He walked around the small table and came up beside me. He looked like he wanted to help but I didn't trust him. Seeming to try to hold me he came forward.79

“Carina.” His whisper was soft but I didn't care. I had to leave. Tears ran down my cheeks as I stood with indecision. “Carina, please.” I looked in his eyes but hated the sympathy and compassion I saw there.80

“No! Leave me alone!” I ran out of the room quickly before anything worse could happen. I heard shouts of protest but I didn't stop. I ran through the den and found my way to the stairs. I couldn't see with my tears coming down so hard but I didn't care. I rounded a landing and hit something solid. A shocked gasp reached my ears.81

“Uh...I'll...” The male voice seemed uncomfortable as he edged his way past me. I didn't even get a good look at him. The only real glimpse I had of him was while he disappeared downstairs. All I really saw was a long black ponytail.82

Though I continued to cry my sobs had ceased and I went slowly the rest of the way to my room. I locked the door firmly behind me and slid down the door until I was a crumpled heap. Not knowing what was going to happen was the worst part. Who would even notice I was missing? I didn't have a roommate, I didn't have a job. Maybe my father would miss my weekly email but he might just think I was busy.83

Where was I? What do they want with me? Nothing was making any sense! It was like the world turned upside down and everyone is fine with it except me! How was I ever going to get home? This couldn't be anywhere near Pennsylvania. It seemed very possible we weren't even in the united states anymore. Maybe there was a town near by where I could get information. Even if I did find out where I was how was I going to get back? I don't have a passport.84

I pulled myself up and went to the bed. Laying my head on the pillow I continued to cry. After a few minutes I fell asleep. As I slipped into a dream I stood in the middle of my parents back hay field. It was very strange. The field felt like a warm spring day but the hills a few miles away were covered with thick snow. It was unnatural. Drawn towards it I walked towards the hills. I seemed to be moving very slowly.85

Then I heard the crackle and spitting sound of fire. I whipped around looking for the source. It seemed to be coming from the woods on the other side of the hay field. The woods were not on fire and I didn't see any smoke, but I could here it. It was getting louder. I could see heat waves over the woods. It was similar to steam or looking out over a road on a very hot summer day. Walking towards the sound I traveled much faster than I could when going to the snowy hills. I was loosing ground that took me forever to gain in walking to the hills. I wanted very much to go to the hills but I could not fight the urge to find the fire.86

As I progressed quickly through the woods I could smell something unlike anything I had ever smelled before. It burned my nose but I kept going. The heat seemed to be intensifying as I got closer and closer. Soon I found what I was looking for. The large pond that lay on the boundary line of my parent's property was no longer a pond. It looked like an oil spill in the ocean but it was on fire. There was no smoke and no oil though. It seemed as if the water its self was burning.87

The fire was working its way up to the trees around the shore. To my horror it started to spread quicker than a lightning flash. Soon everything but the path back to the fields were engulfed. I ran quickly back to see what was left. My heart retched open in my chest as I watched my family's livelihood go up in flames.88

I could do nothing but watch. There was no where to go. Fire was around me on all sides. The only thing untouched was the path back to the lake of fire. There was no way back to my life. I was trapped.