The journey between worlds always seemed bumpier, and this was no exception. Alex felt almost bruised and battered when she arrived at the other end, but something else wasn't right.

The library foyer was dark, a pitch black that consumed all light.

"Careful!"

"—Oof you're—"

"Stop stepping on my foot!"

"What's going on?"

Alex didn't need to answer, there was only one thing this darkness could mean.

Lockdown.

Alex summoned Ae'nara, the flaming sword illuminating the silent foyer.

"This is bad," said Alex, her voice quieter than normal.

"Yup," replied Declan, but he didn't sound quite so nervous.

Alex picked up her bag. "I think I'll change into this armour now… just to be safe."

After instructing everyone to turn around, Alex banished Ae'nara, blinded except for the subtle glow of her Vaeliana. She reached for her armour, trying to put it on as quick as possible, to waste as little time as possible.

But soon Alex realised it wasn't the smartest idea. While trying to pull up the slick, padded pants, she tripped, falling on the cold marble floor. "I'm fine! I'm fine," said Alex, before anyone could worry. "The floor—uh—the floor and I are just getting a little acquainted."

Alex stayed silent as everyone stifled their laughs, slowly standing back up. She continued getting ready but was struggling with the foreign garment.

Are you sure you're okay? asked Kaiden, mentally.

Alex's eyes widened. What did I say about talking like this?!

Calm down, he said, Do you need some help?

…yeah, she accidentally sent, cringing at how easy she found it to talk to him. Stupid mental conversations is it too much to ask to be alone in my own—

You know I can still hear you, right? sent Kaiden, and Alex could vividly imagine the smile teasing across his face.

Alex didn't feel quite so perky. This is not my life.

Kaiden's hand landed on Alex's shoulder, and—sensing the embarrassment rolling off Alex—he placed a kiss on her bare neck, sending pins and needles running up Alex's spine.

You do realise I'm here to help you, right? said Kaiden, Alex melting at his touch.

He reached for the Tia Auran tunic, while Alex took off her own shirt. She was so aware of how close he was, Kaiden's breath on her bare back, sending goosebumps rippling across her body.

He helped her pull the shirt over her head, his cool fingers brushing against her ribs. Then came all the accessories, his cold, invisible hands helping her slide on the gloves and tighten her boots, though he couldn't see them.

When they were finally done, Alex said, You didn't have to do all that.

No I didn't, said Kaiden. But I did it anyway, Alex, because I care about you. You're my girlfriend, now, and I want to hep you in any way I can.

Alex melted into a puddle, but somehow Kaiden managed to find the puddle's shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

Don't worry, he said, whatever we find out there, we'll do it together.

With one final kiss on her forehead, Kaiden pulled Alex to her feet, saying, It's time to go.

Alex didn't want to leave, she wanted to stay in this warm, safe bubble of darkness forever.

But she couldn't.

So summoning Ae'nara, making the darkness flee, Alex walked outside with the people she loved most in the world, ready to face anything.