Chapter 1

Darkness. Darkness. Blood everywhere.

"Ares ? Ares ? Don't go, Ares, okay ? Don't."

The floor was crumbling beneath his feet and then he was falling, falling, falling into a black pit. He called for his dear friend and bond, Ares to catch him...but there was no Ares just darkness. Darkness ...

Gregor's eyes opened. His pijamas were soaked in sweat and his heart was pounding.

'The same nightmare' Gregor thought .

It was the same nightmare. Over and over again. They started when Gregor left the Underland, one year and a few months ago. A world miles beneath New York City, full of giant rats, bats, spiders, ants, cockroaches and many others oversized creatures. In the Underland there was a human city named Regalia, built 400 years ago by a man named Bartholomew of Sandwhich. The city was home to pale-skinned and violet-eyed people.

Gregor left many friend behind when he returned to the Overland, but there was a girl, who he missed the most .

Luxa. They weren't friends first time he fell in the Underland, but with time, they became friends and then their friendship slowly changed into a romantic relationship.

"Gregor ! Breakfast is ready !" his mom said, from the kitchen.

"Coming !" Gregor responded.

After Lizzie decided she didn't want to move to Virginia, they remaind in their New York apartment.

"Good morning, Gregor" said Mrs. Cormaci.

"Good morning " Gregor said. Mrs. Cormaci was their neighbour. She was the only person, outside his family, that knew about Gregor's adventures in the Underland.

He sat down at the table filled with food. In front of him was a big plate with scrambled eggs.

Gregor wasn't hungry. He just stared at the food, blankly.

"Still thinking about them ?" Mrs. Cormaci whispered.

The subject was band in his family. His mother came with this rule, because she was scared to death by the Underland. He didn't blame her. Afterall, in the Underland she lost her husband and her son. He didn't say anything.

"Gregor, come in my apartment after we finish eating. We need to talk."

Gregor just nodded. Gregor's life was miserable. He couldn't make any friends at school. Of course, Larry and Angelina were always there for him, but for Gregor it just didn't feal the same. He had problems controlling his rager side and ... -and he couldn't see the person he truly loved. Life was just sad for him.

In a few minutes, Mrs. Cormaci finished eating. "Come on Gregor. I have to give you your birthday present !" smiled Mrs. Cormaci.

Gregor turned 14 yesterday, but Mrs. Cormaci had a cold, so she couldn't come to his birthday party.

They didn't talk, as they were heading for Mrs. Cormaci's apartment.

After they entered in the apartment, Mrs. Cormaci gave him his present.

Gregor helled in his hands one of the most beautiful pair of snickers, he ever saw.

"I don't know what to say..." said Gregor, smiling.

"I'm glad you like your present Gregor." said Mrs. Cormaci and smiled warmly at the boy. "Now we need to talk."

Gregor dropped his smile.

"Gregor, what's happening with you ?" asked Mrs. Cormaci, worryed."You are always sad."

Gregor sighed. "You know I miss them." said Gregor .

"Then why did you leave the Underland ?" asked Mrs. Cormaci .

"Because, I had to be with my family. Mom went through hell this years. I just couldn't do that to her again."

"Gregor. I want you to listen very closely, and I repeat, very closely. Your happiness matters too."

"But I -" started Gregor but was interupted.

"No buts Gregor. You have to do what makes you happy. You have to be with that girl. What was her name ? Luxa ?"

"Yes, her name is Luxa." Gregor paused for a few moments and then asked "How did you know that ?"

Gregor didn't say to anyone in the Overland about his relationship with Luxa.

"What ? About Luxa ? You told me about her. She is the Queen of Regalia, right ?"

"That's right, but that wasn't what I meant. How did you know I like her ?"

"Oh...uhhhhh... let's say I have... my special ways."

Gregor frowned . 'Well, that sounds odd...' Gregor thought.

"Aha... so what are your special ways ?" he asked.

"Gregor, I have another surprise for you. Come on, you can show yourself ." Mrs. Cormaci said, with a grin.

"Happy birthday, boy... I guess." said a familiar voice behind him.

Gregor turned around and froze. " Ripred ?"