Chapter 5
Jessica was striding quickly down the cracked sidewalk, her pace almost frantic. The towering, decaying warehouses loomed above her, casting long shadows that enveloped the street in a foreboding gloom. The air was thick with the stench of mildew and abandonment, as if the very buildings around her had long since resigned themselves to rot. Each step felt heavier, weighed down by the searing pain in her hands. Fresh blood dripped from her soaked bandages, splattering onto the dirty pavement below, leaving a red trail behind her.
Just minutes earlier, she'd had a vision — one that gripped her with a terrifying clarity. The pale woman who had attacked her friend was still out there, her presence hanging over Jessica like a dark cloud. The sudden re-opening of her wounds only confirmed what she feared most: the woman wasn't just a figment of her mind — she was close. Too close.
Behind her, Laura Kinney kept pace, her eyes never leaving Jessica for a moment. The sharp-eyed mutant ran silently, her instincts on high alert, her focus solely on keeping Jessica safe. She wanted to stop her, to talk to her, to try and understand why her behavior had changed so drastically, but Jessica wasn't giving her any chance. She moved as if something had taken hold of her, as if her very life depended on reaching some unknown destination.
Suddenly, Jessica halted in her tracks. She stood frozen in the middle of the street, her eyes scanning their surroundings, her breath quickening. There was an undeniable feeling that someone, or something, was watching them from the shadows.
"Laura…" she whispered, her voice barely audible, filled with tension and fear.
"What is it?" Laura asked, confused. Her heightened senses detected no movement, no scent, nothing to suggest danger was near. But Jessica's reaction was enough to make her wary.
"She's here," Jessica breathed out.
"Who?" Laura furrowed her brow.
"The woman from my vision… I know she's here. This is where they tortured her. I can feel it," Jessica said, clutching her still-bleeding hands as if the pain was a reminder of the suffering she had seen.
Laura's gaze darkened. She moved closer to her friend. "Jessica, you're in no shape to fight right now. Let me handle her. You need to go back to the car and the school, get those wounds looked at. You're bleeding too much."
But Jessica shook her head. "It's too late," she muttered, pointing ahead.
From the shadows, a figure began to emerge. Pale-skinned and unnervingly calm, the woman stepped forward, her eyes locked on Jessica, a chilling smile creeping across her face. Laura instantly stepped in front of her friend, unsheathing her claws with a sharp metallic sound, ready to strike at any moment.
"You were both so eager to meet me that you walked straight into my trap," the woman said softly, her voice dripping with mockery. Her gaze flicked to Jessica. "I underestimated your abilities... my mistake. But who would have guessed there was someone like you among them? A prophet with bleeding stigmata… Tell me, what have your visions revealed about me, little seer?"
Jessica's eyes flared with anger. "My visions are none of your concern," she spat. "But you're coming back with us. You've got a lot to answer for."
The woman's smile widened, her pale features twisting with amusement. "Don't make me laugh, girl. Normally, I wouldn't even bother with you... but your gift—" she took a step closer, her tone dropping to something almost affectionate, "—is far too dangerous. Your blood, spilling so carelessly, carries knowledge of what is yet to come. I can't let you continue playing with something so perilous."
As the woman raised a hand toward Jessica's head, Laura lunged. Her claws flashed through the air, aiming straight for the woman's throat. But the pale figure was faster — unnaturally so. With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a burst of dark energy, sending Laura crashing violently into the side of a nearby building. The impact was brutal, and Laura slumped to the ground, gasping for air. Her chest heaved painfully, the force of the blow knocking the wind out of her. For a moment, she struggled to stand, but the pain was too much. Her vision blurred, and she collapsed, unconscious, onto the cold pavement.
"No! Laura!" Jessica's scream echoed through the desolate street. Horror seized her as she watched her friend fall. It looked as if Laura had been killed right in front of her eyes. The woman with the ghostly complexion glanced at Laura's limp form, her smile twisted with disdain.
"You should keep your pet on a leash. Look at what she tried to do. Attacking me with cold iron? What was she thinking?" she sneered.
Jessica's hands trembled with rage and fear, blood still dripping from her wounds, staining the ground below.
"And now, let's finish what we started, shall we?" the woman continued, stepping closer to Jessica, her dark presence suffocating, her smile widening as she reached out, ready to claim her next victim.
At the same time, Megan, Mark, Shan, and Megan's father Ian, along with his two mysterious companions, were driving along a road that wound through green, forested land. Trees closed in around them on both sides, casting cool and damp shadows across the road. They had decided to visit the place of Megan's true birth, and the only person who could open the gate leading there was her grandmother. Ian was not looking forward to the reunion with his mother. They hadn't been on good terms since the day he stole her herbs and accidentally ended up in the magical realm. In the last few years, they had met only a handful of times, and spoken even less. He blamed her for the magic that had caused him and his companions trouble beyond what they could have imagined, and she was furious at him for treating the legacy of their family with careless recklessness and dangerous indifference. This time, however, he had to push aside his resentment because Megan's life meant everything to him.
The young mutant still couldn't make sense of all the truths about her origin, and everything her father had told her felt like a distant fairy tale. She didn't want to visit her grandmother, didn't want to go to the other world — just the thought of it filled her with dread. All she wanted was to go back to America, to school, to her ordinary life. She was glad that Mark and Shan were with her; she couldn't imagine facing everything that had happened without their help.
"We're almost there," Ian said.
"Yes, I remember this place," Aaron added, his voice low. "The moon was just as low that night as it is now," he remarked, glancing at the glowing orb hovering above the treetops.
"We've been driving for hours. Does your grandmother have to live this deep in the middle of nowhere?" Mark asked his girlfriend.
"As you can see, my family's even weirder than I thought," Megan replied with a wry smile.
"I should explain what you must avoid doing in that realm," Will interjected. "First, none of you can carry cold iron. It's the gravest offense to the beings there, and if you're caught with anything made of iron, you'll face harsh consequences. You must also refuse anything offered to you and avoid idle conversations with strangers. Remember, everything there is more than it seems, and danger can come from the most innocent-looking things. Stay together at all times, preferably with one of us. We know the land well, and we understand what's safe and what isn't. Do not wander off the paths we choose."
"We're not going there for sightseeing. We've got a task, and we'll do it as quickly as possible," Shan interrupted.
"Nothing is simple there, especially not the task of speaking with the ruler of that world," Will said coldly, meeting Shan's gaze with an icy stare.
"We're here," Ian's voice broke the tension. The car came to a stop on a grassy hill, a few meters from a wooden house. The silver light of the moon washed over the meadows and the forests beyond, making the entire landscape shimmer with magic and mystery. Megan and her friends stepped out of the car, and a moment later Ian and his two old companions joined them. Megan stretched her limbs and wings, grateful to finally move after the long ride. She gazed at the landscape before her, feeling the air around her pulse with energy.
The dark night, the silver moonlight, the wind whispering through the trees and tall grass, and the distant hooting of an owl — all of it made Megan feel as if she had returned home. She felt as though she had come back from a long journey, and the entire landscape was welcoming her with open arms.
"It's beautiful here!" the young mutant exclaimed, sharing her thoughts with the others.
"What are you feeling, Megan?" Will asked, observing her closely.
"It's hard to explain… I just feel wonderful. Like I belong here. I could stay forever!" she admitted openly. For a brief moment, she even considered shedding her clothes and dancing among the stones naked, letting the moonlight bathe her.
"Because that's the truth. You do belong here," came a voice from the house. An older woman appeared in the doorway and started walking toward them. Her silver hair framed a face still beautiful, despite the marks of age.
"Mother," Ian said, instinctively turning his head to avoid her eyes.
"I've been expecting you," the woman smiled as she approached her granddaughter. She embraced Megan gently, her gaze lingering on the girl's wings.
"I'm so happy to finally see you," she whispered, her voice soft and full of warmth. "You're so beautiful," she added, brushing her fingers along Megan's wings and studying her unusual ears and eyes.
"It wouldn't do for me to keep you all standing outside on the lawn like this," the woman said, turning to the group. "I've been waiting for you, and I've prepared warm tea for everyone. Megan, I've known your father's friends for a long time, but you must introduce your own companions to me. Will you?" she said with a smile, gesturing for everyone to follow her into the house.
The pale woman was preparing to deliver the final blow to Jessica, who knew she couldn't win this fight without her friend's help. Laura still lay motionless on the sidewalk, showing no signs of life.
"If you weren't a threat to us, I'd have taken you to my kingdom," the woman sneered. "Who knows what secrets you'd reveal to me, stigmatic… but we'll never find out, will we?"
"Good thing I won't have to look at you much longer," Jessica muttered, closing her eyes as she braced herself for the deadly magic — magic that had felled X-23 just minutes before. Suddenly, behind her, a shroud of rippling blue light appeared. The strange energy enveloped her, separating her from her would-be assassin. The pale woman clenched her fists, recognizing the magic's signature. The blue aura spread to Laura as well, and both girls vanished, reappearing on the rooftop of a nearby building. Disoriented by the sudden teleportation, Jessica frantically looked around, searching for the source of this strange event. She spotted a girl with purple hair and deep blue eyes standing nearby.
"Who are you? What's going on?" Jessica demanded, approaching the stranger.
"You're safe now. You and your friend," the mysterious figure replied. Jessica rushed over to Laura, relieved to find her still alive, though unconscious and severely weakened.
"This is incredible," the girl mused. "I've never seen anyone survive a direct hit from the Death Finger."
"What do you want from us?" Jessica asked warily.
"I saved your life. That should be enough. Or do you want to go back down there?"
"I'm just tired of strange people interfering in my life," the dark-haired mutant snapped, though she quickly realized she couldn't afford to anger her unusual savior.
"And her… that pale witch… aren't you afraid she'll come after you now?" Jessica asked.
"Don't worry about her. My friends will take care of her."
Meanwhile, the witch raged in the alley, searching for the one who had stolen her prey. She knew exactly who to expect — and was ready for a battle far more challenging than her fight with Xavier's pupils.
"The Dark Tylwyth Teg… you will pay for this insult! Your bodies will be destroyed, and your souls thrown into the bottomless pit of the damned!" she hissed. A man emerged from behind the building. His black hair and dark eyes gleamed like stars, and he wore a suit with a cloak draped over his shoulders.
"I see you're not as cowardly as you look," the witch said with a twisted smile.
"We're the only ones brave enough to face the future," the man said, extending his hand toward her. A moment later, blue light glowed from his palm, unleashing a torrent of ice and snow that slammed into the witch, throwing her against the wall. She muttered an ancient incantation, forming a protective barrier around herself. But the man continued his relentless assault, though his opponent resisted the freezing cold.
The surrounding buildings became coated with a thick layer of frost, and one of the windows shattered from the thermal stress. The long-haired man halted his attack, surprised to see the witch still standing.
"Impressive. I didn't think someone like you could withstand the breath of the icy wind," he remarked.
"I've survived far worse cold than this. Your wind felt like a summer breeze," she snarled. "Let's see how you handle my spell!"
She unleashed the same deadly magic she had used on Laura Kinney, but it had no effect on the dark elf.
"The Death Finger can't harm someone without a heart," he said with a smirk. "You know as well as I do that the only thing that can hurt me would kill you too. Enchanted cold iron."
"But you're not brave enough to wield it and risk death, are you?" she taunted.
The man's smile widened. "I'm not. But I have friends who are."
At that moment, a girl dashed out from the alley. She had short, dark blonde hair and wore a sweater and jeans, clutching a sword covered in strange symbols, hinting at ancient enchantments.
"You're… not Tylwyth Teg!" the witch exclaimed.
"I'm not!" the girl shot back. "But you've got good eyes! I challenge you to a duel!"
She charged at the witch, intending to strike with the enchanted blade. The witch, unwilling to take the risk, summoned glowing magical symbols into the air and teleported away.
"Damn it! What a coward!" the girl slammed her fist into the ice-covered wall.
"Careful. You could hurt yourself. My magic is lethal to humans," the man said, approaching his friend.
"Doesn't matter. I'm furious. Just take me to those girls — Mab's hired assassin attacked them."
"As you wish." The man wrapped his cloak around the much smaller woman, and they vanished in a dark mist, reappearing on the rooftop where Jessica, Laura, and the purple-haired stranger were waiting.
"She's alive?" the blonde girl asked, surprised as she glanced at X-23.
"Yes, she survived the Death Finger and is recovering by the minute," the long-haired girl replied. "And the assassin?" she asked.
"Unfortunately, she got away. She covered her tracks, so there's no way to follow her."
"We don't have time for this."
Jessica stepped forward, facing the group.
"Did you forget something? Who are you? What's your connection to that woman? A few days ago, she tried to kill my friend. Do you have something to do with that? Or maybe this?" she demanded, pointing to the bloody bandages covering her stigmata.
"You got yourself into trouble chasing an assassin! You have no idea what you're dealing with!" the long-haired woman snapped, her hostility apparent.
"Calm down, Lorella. She's a friend of Gwynn. She deserves to know what's happening," the blonde girl soothed her companion. "Besides, they could be useful. We don't have any prophets with us, nor anyone capable of surviving offensive magic from the Twilight Realm."
The girl approached Jessica, offering her hand.
"I'm Owena Brice. These are my friends: Lorella and Loranir."
"Jessica Vale. And this is Laura Kinney. How are you connected to Megan?"
"We're here to prevent her assassination. We're changelings sent from the Twilight Realm."
Megan, her friends, and her father's companions sat in a small room inside the cottage of the mutant's grandmother. The entire house was made of wood, shrouded in twilight, with a distinct scent of the forest lingering in the air. The only source of light was a single candle on a round table. Scattered around it, seemingly at random, were colorful tarot cards, which the old woman had been using to tell fortunes just before her guests arrived. She herself sat comfortably in an armchair, sipping tea.
"The cards told me I'd be receiving unusual guests tonight," she said, a sly smile crossing her face. "Someone would return after a long absence because an obstacle arose in their life, one they couldn't overcome without reconnecting with their roots. They'd bring old acquaintances — and with them, trouble. But among them would also be strangers, gathered around the youngest member of my family. Once again, my fortune-telling has proven true." The woman smiled warmly at her granddaughter.
"I've been longing to talk with you," Pixie began, looking at her grandmother. "There's so much I need to ask you…"
Ian interrupted her mid-sentence.
"We don't have time for a reunion. I explained the situation to you — it's serious, and we need to act quickly."
"I'm well aware of that," the old woman replied, gathering the cards and arranging them into a deck. "You wouldn't have set foot here otherwise."
"If it weren't for this place, I wouldn't be stuck in the mess I'm in now," Ian muttered, turning away from her and walking to the window. He stared at the moon, hanging low over the dark forest.
"I warned you about what could happen if you didn't take who we are seriously. But, of course, you thought you knew better. You've only yourself to blame, and you should be thankful that things didn't turn out worse."
"Coming here was a mistake," Aaron said from the corner of the room. The old woman heard his remark, and her demeanor toward her son shifted immediately. She knew that her granddaughter's safety was far more important than any lingering conflict between her and Ian.
"You didn't come here to argue with me," she said softly. "Let's leave the past behind and focus on what matters now. Megan, have you been attacked in America?"
"Yes, twice," Megan answered, relieved that the family's argument hadn't escalated into a full-blown fight.
"Incredible," her grandmother mused. "I never imagined beings from the Twilight Realm would come so far from their homeland. It's entirely unlike them. I know little about the dark Tylwyth Teg... I've always avoided contact with those creatures. The legends passed down to me by my grandmother were terrifying enough."
"We're not dealing with legends anymore, but reality," Will interjected. "We're not asking for your knowledge, as no one understands that realm better than the three of us… with all due respect to your experience. We just need you to open the gates to the Realm of Eternal Twilight."
The old woman looked into Will's shadowy eyes, then at her son, and finally at her granddaughter, who sat among her friends from Xavier's school.
"I'm not convinced opening the gates to Faerie is the best idea," she said cautiously. "If the dark Tylwyth Teg have managed to cross into our world, and so far from their own lands, if they have the means to send agents here… and if your warnings about changelings are true… then the Realm of Eternal Twilight could be far more dangerous than you remember. Have you considered that it might be in the grip of war or revolution? It could already be under the control of the dark Faerie. Taking Megan there might expose her to even greater danger."
"If we don't go, even if the realm is at war, we'll be making a huge mistake," Will argued. "If we don't take Megan there, the war will find her here, on Earth. And when it does, innocent people — people who have nothing to do with any of this — will suffer. Are you willing to take that risk? Can you live with that burden?"
"People have already suffered because of me…" Megan's voice, soft and trembling, broke the tense silence.
"This isn't your fault, Megan!" Mark cut in, but Pixie raised her hand to silence him.
"It is, Mark," she said quietly. "All of this happened because of who I am… because of my family. You were dragged into a world that isn't yours, and you nearly lost your life because of it. I don't want to go, Grandma… I'm terrified of what I'll find there, but I have to face it. If meeting my… my real mother is the only way to free myself from this nightmare, then I'll take the risk. I can't let anything bad happen to Mark. I don't want any of my friends to suffer." Tears welled up in Megan's eyes. Everyone in the room watched as she trembled, trying desperately to keep her emotions under control. Her fists clenched, she avoided meeting anyone's gaze.
Her grandmother, understanding the turmoil inside her granddaughter, knew what had to be done.
"Leave the room. Leave us alone," Megan's grandmother said to Ian and his companions. The men slowly walked out. The old woman turned her gaze toward Shan and Mark, who were still standing by the door.
"Didn't you hear what I said? That goes for you too!" she added sternly. Karma gently ushered Mark out of the room, even though he insisted on staying with his girlfriend. The elderly woman sat beside the mutant and gently touched her fists, clenched tightly.
"Megan... you don't have to fight your emotions anymore. You can let it all out now. I'm here, just for you," she said softly. The girl looked at her with tear-filled eyes, then rested her head on her lap and began to sob. Finally, the emotions she had bottled up for days were free to surface.
"I can't believe what's happening... I don't even understand who I am... or what I am... My mind's a mess... I got used to being a freak, but now... now I know I'm a double freak…" Pixie stammered, her words interrupted by fresh waves of tears. The old woman gently stroked her hair, trying to soothe her.
"Megan... you are the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. When you stepped out of the car, and I saw your wings glowing in the moonlight, it was like looking at an angel. That's what you are in my eyes. And watching your friends, I'm certain I'm not the only one who thinks so," her grandmother said. Pixie inhaled deeply, trying to stop the tears. After several minutes of lying silently on her grandmother's lap, she decided to pull herself together. She wiped her eyes with her hand and leaned back against the couch.
"I feel so ashamed that you saw me like this," she said, offering a shy smile.
"Megan... anyone would feel the same in your shoes. Besides, I've gone through something similar myself," her grandmother replied with a gentle smile, hoping to shift the mood to something lighter.
"That boy who came with you... his behavior, his words... everything about him suggests that you're very special to him. Am I right?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.
"Yes," Megan answered with a smile.
"He protected me when those mercenaries attacked. He was willing to fight for me, even against someone much stronger than himself. And he won…" Pixie continued, admiration clear in her voice.
"That's wonderful, having someone like that by your side. When you return from this journey, you'll have to tell me more about him. Promise?"
"Yes! But... does that mean you'll help us? Will you do what Dad asked and open the gateway to my mother's realm?" Megan asked, her voice filled with hope.
"Yes. In the attic, among my most treasured items, I have something that can break the barriers between our world and the Land of Eternal Twilight. Do you remember the candles I used to burn when you were afraid of the shadows creeping in from the forest?"
"Of course! I'll never forget how peaceful I felt, watching the flames reflected in the windows!" Megan smiled, recalling the comfort of her childhood.
"I still have one candle left, saved for a special occasion. The ones you remember strengthened the thin boundary between Earth and the other realm, so that magical creatures wouldn't disturb your sleep. But this candle's task is to make the boundary thin enough for people to cross." The old woman rose from the couch.
"Come, Megan. Let's tell the others about our plan, and then you can help me find the candle, all right?"
Megan eagerly agreed to her grandmother's suggestion, feeling a renewed sense of calm and purpose.
At the same time, Jessica and Laura were deep in conversation with the three mysterious individuals who had saved their lives just minutes ago. Laura felt unsettled, her heightened senses unable to read the strangers' intentions or determine whether they were being truthful.
"Have you ever listened to yourself?" Jessica asked the blonde woman standing before her.
"My school friend isn't human... wait, that's right... she's not, because she's a mutant! Just like me! But what you just said about Megan... that she's some kind of hybrid between a human and a queen ruling a magical realm... If I didn't live with the X-Men, I'd never believe such nonsense! But after everything I've been through... after what's happened to me recently..." Jessica glanced down at the blood-stained bandages on her hands, her voice trembling slightly.
"I'm keeping an open mind... so let's say, I believe you." She shifted her gaze to Owena, who exchanged a knowing glance with her elven companions, offering them a faint smile. Laura stepped closer to Jessica, leaning in to whisper.
"I can't read anything from their physiological signals. Be careful." Her words were filled with caution.
"Tell me again," Jessica said, locking eyes with the blonde, "what exactly is your role?"
"We were sent to the United States to prevent the assassination of Megan Gwynn. As I mentioned earlier, Queen Mab — her mother — wants her dead. Megan is a threat, an unstable link that could jeopardize Mab's position in the Land of Eternal Twilight and forever alter the balance of that world. I could speak on this for hours, as my father has prepared me for my role as a guardian of the liminal zone between nature and civilization since childhood. But we don't have time. Mab's assassins travel in pairs, and at this very moment, Megan could be in danger from the second killer."
"You're too late," Jessica responded, her voice icy.
"What do you mean?" Owena asked, her brow furrowing with concern.
"Megan's already been attacked. Twice. First by that pale witch you fought earlier, and then by someone at the airport. Luckily, both attackers were defeated."
"The airport?" Owena's voice was tinged with dread as her mind raced through the possibilities.
"Yes. Megan was heading back to Wales because her father decided to pull her out of Xavier's school. We were all shocked by the sudden decision, but no one could oppose her parents. Thankfully, both attacks failed because someone... someone was watching over her."
"An angel?" Owena asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Maybe one of your people?" Jessica suggested.
"I haven't heard of anyone else being sent to protect the girl. In fact, we only recently learned of Mab's plan. Our communication with the Land of Eternal Twilight is... slow."
"Could it be someone sent by Queen Mab?" Lorella, the elf woman with long hair and delicate features, chimed in.
"That would make no sense," Loranir replied. "Why would Mab send someone to fight against her own mercenaries?"
"Mab isn't a logical creature. Her moods shift with the seasons in Faerie and vice versa," Lorella interjected, her voice soft but steady.
"Lorella," the blonde woman turned to her elven companion, "can you transport all of us?"
Laura and Jessica immediately tensed, dozens of questions rushing through their minds, but Lorella was faster than their reactions. A blue mist swirled around them, and within seconds, the rooftop they stood on dissolved into nothingness. When Jessica and Laura regained their senses, they found themselves standing on a floating rock, suspended in a strange, dark space dotted with thousands of shimmering stars.
"Where are we?" Jessica asked, her voice shaky as she instinctively reached for her surroundings. Laura unsheathed her claws, her heightened instincts telling her to be on guard. Seeing the metal extend from her hands, Loranir stepped back, his hand already beginning to conjure a freezing spell. Owena quickly intervened, stepping between them.
"Calm down! We're not here to fight! I brought you here so the assassin from Faerie couldn't eavesdrop on us."
"What is this place?" Laura asked, her tone colder than usual.
"This is a nexus between many universes. It's a place my father discovered long ago. From here, we can reach realms closest to this plane of existence. But more importantly, no one can enter without our knowledge. We're safe here. We can continue our conversation undisturbed."
"Alright," Jessica said, nodding slightly as her body relaxed, "as I mentioned, some unknown man helped Megan. We tried to find him, but he vanished without a trace. He showed up again at the airport, helped her, and then disappeared, taking Megan and her friends with him."
"Damn it, it may already be too late..." Owena clenched her fists.
"No. Megan called later... from her parents' house in Wales. She's safe, and it turns out the man who helped her is a friend of her father. The guy must be a teleporter. He covered that distance in an impossibly short time."
Owena's expression softened, a glimmer of hope crossing her face. "I think I know who he might be. My father told me stories of three people and their adventures in the Land of Eternal Twilight. Megan is in good hands."
"I'm not so sure about that," Jessica said. She rubbed the bandaged wounds on her hands, feeling the sting of the injuries tied to her visions.
"My abilities aren't as physical as Laura's. I have visions — sometimes while dreaming, sometimes while awake. They're often confusing, blending past events with what's yet to come. Ever since the first attack on Megan, my visions have intensified, and they've all centered around her. The worst one came when she returned home. I nearly lost my mind. I saw her death..." Jessica's voice faltered.
"The vision was so powerful it affected my body. These wounds... they appeared that night..." Jessica revealed the bloodied bandages, her voice breaking slightly as she showed the evidence of her ordeal.
"Could Mab's people have set a trap for her?" Lorella asked, her voice cautious.
"Or maybe someone in her father's circle is a traitor," Loranir added grimly.
"Or perhaps more of Mab's agents are already in Wales," Laura suggested, her eyes narrowing as she tried to piece it together.
"We can reach any corner of this planet from the Nexus," Owena said decisively. "We shouldn't waste any more time. If you wish to come with us, I won't stop you. We could use more hands for help."
"Wait. You said you can teleport to any place on Earth from here?" Jessica stopped her, an idea clearly forming in her mind.
"Yes?"
"I need to get rid of these wounds," Jessica said, gesturing to her stigmata-like injuries.
"How?" Owena asked, genuinely curious.
"I know someone who can heal them," Jessica replied.
"Very well. Lorella will take you wherever you need to go. Meanwhile, Loranir, your friend, and I will wait for you in Wales."
"Thank you," Jessica said gratefully. Lorella moved closer, motioning toward a path that wound along the floating rock, suspended in the infinite star-filled void.
"Follow me, and don't stray from the path," the elf instructed, her voice calm but commanding.
Megan, Mark, Shan, and Ian, along with his companions, walked slowly toward the forest that surrounded Megan's grandmother's house on all sides. The world around them seemed steeped in a strange, fleeting moment — night had already surrendered, but dawn had not yet arrived. Mist floated over the meadows, thick and impenetrable, shrouding the entire landscape in a ghostly veil. The air was cool, carrying the foreboding scent of impending rain. The colors of this grey hour were somber and oppressive, and the mood was deepened by an eerie silence, as all the animals that had filled the night with their sounds had now gone quiet, sensing the approach of something dark. The heavy stillness and bleak surroundings evoked the image of a forgotten graveyard, abandoned by the living. As they neared the forest's edge, the group walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Megan remembered a night not too long ago when she had been searching for an old candle in the attic of her grandmother's house. Together with the old woman, she had sifted through piles of forgotten furniture and unused belongings, their every step stirring up clouds of dust and revealing nests of insects hiding in the shadows. Eventually, her grandmother found the lost item — a large yellow candle, intricately carved with the image of a naked woman with wings.
"This is a magical object," the old woman had said, her voice raspy yet calm. "It will help you cross the barrier between worlds. The light from this candle will keep at bay all the spirits lurking between realms, ensuring you all travel safely. But its magic works only for a brief, fleeting moment, in the grey hour between night and morning, between sleep and wakefulness. You must hurry, for its magic fades as the last flicker dances upon the wick, melting into the wax."
Now, as they approached the wall of trees, those words echoed in Megan's mind. She could still smell the dust in the air, still feel the cold fingers of magic brushing the back of her neck.
Behind, Ian walked in silence, his gaze dark and unreadable as he glanced at his companions. He knew that they were nearing the threshold where past and present would inevitably collide. To him, the surrounding landscape resembled an abandoned cemetery, a place where ghosts of forgotten times roamed freely, waiting for new souls to pass by. Though he said nothing, his heart beat with an ominous certainty — something terrible was about to unfold.
Farther back, the grandmother sat by her window, watching as the figures disappeared into the mist. The thick, milky fog had already swallowed the house, isolating it from the rest of the world. A single yellow candle still burned on the windowsill, casting a soft, golden-red glow over her wrinkled face. The winged woman carved into the candle's surface was slowly deforming in the heat of the flame, melting into the wax, as if the very magic it contained was burning away with it.
Jessica and Lorella appeared in the dimly lit hallway of Xavier's School. Darkness enveloped them like a heavy shroud. Jessica looked around, confusion spreading across her face as she tried to understand the sudden change. Just moments before, when they had entered the Nexus, it had been the middle of the day.
"Is it night already?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, echoing off the walls. There was a mix of disbelief and unease in her tone.
"Time moves differently where we were. Do what you need to do and let's go," Lorella replied, her voice calm.
Jessica's heart raced. She could feel the pressure mounting as she hurried down the hallway, her footsteps echoing in the quiet. When she reached one of the dorm rooms, she pushed the door open, breathless. Inside, Josh Foley was sitting on his bed, reading a book. The soft glow of a desk lamp illuminated his golden skin, casting long shadows across the room. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw her.
"Jessica?! What are you doing here?" He stood up, his disbelief evident in his voice.
Jessica's nerves were frayed, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She took a step toward him, her hands trembling.
"Josh, I need your help," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, but the desperation in it was palpable.
"Everyone's been looking for you! You and Laura! Where have you been?" Josh's words came out rushed, frustration and concern intertwining as he struggled to make sense of her sudden appearance. Jessica didn't have time to explain. Every second felt like a ticking clock. She quickly unwrapped the blood-soaked bandages from her hands, revealing raw, open wounds that made Josh's stomach twist.
"Please, just heal these," she pleaded, her voice cracking. "I need you to do this, and forget everything else."
Josh stared at her in shock. His mind flashed back to the incident at the school, the rumors that had been swirling around — could it all be true?
"What happened to you? Wait, the blood... what everyone's been saying... it's real, isn't it?" His voice was shaky now, a blend of disbelief and growing horror.
He glanced over Jessica's shoulder at Lorella, who stood silently by the door, her long hair cascading down her back like a dark veil.
"And who is she?" he asked, suspicion creeping into his tone.
Jessica's patience was wearing thin. She clenched her fists, wincing as the pain flared through her hands.
"Josh, Megan's in danger. There's no time to inform the X-Men. I just need you to heal these damn stigmata and forget about it, please!" Her voice rose, the frustration breaking through. She hated snapping at him, but the weight of the situation was crushing her. Josh flinched at her sharp tone. He exhaled deeply, forcing himself to stay calm.
"Give me your hands," he said quietly, his voice colder now, clearly unsettled by the way she had spoken to him. Jessica sat down on the edge of the couch, feeling the tension in her body slowly give way to exhaustion. She extended her hands toward Josh, and he placed his own over them. At first, there was pain — a sharp, searing sensation — but then warmth spread from his touch. It flowed through her like a wave, soothing the aching muscles and stitching the torn flesh back together. The heat was comforting, enveloping her in its embrace.
"It's done," Josh said softly, pulling his hands away.
Jessica looked down at her hands. The wounds were gone, only dried blood remained as a reminder of what had been. Relief washed over her.
"Thank you," she whispered, rising to her feet. She smiled at Josh. She was grateful, but the burden she carried hadn't lifted.
"Jessica." Josh's voice stopped her as she turned to leave. "Whatever's going on, you should tell the X-Men. They'll find out you're here anyway. Frost is probably sending someone already."
Jessica hesitated, her hand on the doorknob. She could feel the weight of his words, the truth in them, but she couldn't afford to listen.
"I know, Josh. But that's exactly why I have to go before they find me. I can't face Frost again — not after she accused me of losing control, of not being able to handle my powers. And they..." she nodded toward Lorella, still standing silently at the door, "they saved my life when no one else could. My instincts tell me I can trust them."
Josh's expression softened, but worry still clouded his eyes. He wanted to say more, to convince her to stay, but he knew it was pointless.
"Just... be careful," he said, his voice heavy with concern.
Jessica gave him a small nod before slipping out into the hallway, where Lorella waited.
Jessica left Josh's room, her mind still reeling from the events. Lorella followed silently behind, a soft hum of magic trailing in her wake as she cast a spell on the door, ensuring Josh wouldn't be able to leave for at least an hour. She was ready to teleport them at any moment. Just as they were about to vanish, Jessica froze. Someone else was standing in the hallway. Hope Abbot, dressed in pajama shorts and a sleeveless top, was staring at Jessica in disbelief. Her eyes were wide, filled with emotions.
"Jessica? You're back?" Hope's voice wavered with a mix of surprise and something deeper.
"I can teleport us back to the Nexus anytime," Lorella whispered to Jessica, her voice low and steady.
"No," Jessica said firmly. Her heart ached as she looked at Hope. "If it were anyone else, we'd be gone already... but not her. I need to talk to her."
Lorella gave a small nod. "As you wish. I'll be ready whenever you are."
"Can you wait around the corner? I need to speak to her alone," Jessica requested, her eyes pleading. Without another word, Lorella disappeared behind the bend in the hallway, leaving the two girls alone.
Jessica stepped closer to Hope, her heart pounding in her chest. Before she could speak, Hope's hand shot out, slapping her across the face. The sting was sharp, but it was nothing compared to the pain that flashed in Hope's eyes.
"How could you do this to me?!" Hope's voice cracked, trembling with anger and hurt. "Do you even care about anyone else's feelings?! Do you have any idea how worried I was?!"
Jessica's throat tightened, guilt gnawing at her insides. She couldn't bring herself to meet Hope's gaze. "I didn't know I'd be gone so long... I'm sorry."
Hope's fists clenched at her sides, her body shaking. "I thought it was happening again! I thought he was back or that something even worse had happened to you! You disappeared without a trace, and there was that drawing at school... the blood... it was horrible!"
Jessica swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hope, the worst part is... the vision from the drawing was real. Megan's in real danger. That girl who helped me get back here, she's part of a group that knows what's happening to Pixie. They saved my life. I have to trust them."
Hope's expression softened slightly, but the pain was still there, lurking beneath the surface. "What are you trying to tell me?"
Jessica took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I'm sorry, Hope, but I'm going to disappear again. Laura, the others, and I... we're going to Wales to try and help Megan. I'll come back as soon as I can, I promise."
Hope's eyes flashed with anger again. "Do you really not understand anything? You're doing the same thing as before! You have a problem, and instead of asking your friends for help — the people who care about you — you're running off with strangers! Haven't you learned anything from last time?"
"This is different! The threat is real, and it's external! It's not about me!" Jessica's voice rose, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Don't compare this to what happened with the Sleepwalker!"
"No, Jessica, it's exactly the same!" Hope shot back, stepping closer. "You're scared — or worse, you just don't want to ask for help. You're pushing your friends away again! You're pushing me away!"
Jessica's heart clenched. She opened her mouth to protest, but the words wouldn't come. Hope moved closer, her voice softening, filled with an almost unbearable tenderness.
"I don't want to put you in danger," Jessica said quietly, her voice barely holding together.
Hope placed her hands on Jessica's shoulders, her touch gentle yet firm. She leaned in, brushing Jessica's hair away from her ear, and whispered, "You're putting me in even more danger by shutting me out like this. I thought about you every second, imagining all the terrible things that could have happened to you. Don't push me away again... I want to be with you. To protect you when the fight comes. And Megan — she's my friend too. I want to help her, just like the rest of the Paragons."
Jessica's breath caught in her throat. Hope's words hit her like a wave, breaking down the walls she had been trying to keep up. Hope hugged her tightly, wrapping her arms around her waist, and then, with a soft sigh, she kissed her.
The kiss was brief but intense, filled with the unsaid words, the fear, the longing. When it ended, Hope looked up at Jessica.
"I'm the only one who managed to hurt that guy at the airport, remember?" Hope said, a small, hopeful smile tugging at her lips.
Jessica nodded slowly. "I'll talk to them... maybe they'll agree."
"Great. I'll go tell the others and get them ready for the trip." Hope's face lit up with excitement, and before Jessica could say anything else, she was already running down the hall toward her room.
As Hope disappeared, Lorella reappeared from around the corner, her arms crossed.
"I didn't know you were into women," She said, her voice casual but laced with curiosity.
Jessica let out a small, tired sigh. "It's more complicated than you think."
"You don't have to explain anything to me," Lorella said with a soft chuckle. "Owena and I are together too... but, uh, don't mention it. She doesn't like talking about it."
The old woman watched the last flickers of the dying candle flame when a soft, yet firm knock echoed through the quiet house. Surprised, she rose, sensing a thickening tension in the air. As she opened the door, she found herself face-to-face with a figure from her past, one whose presence stirred memories of times when she dealt with the boundary between two interwoven worlds.
The man standing at her doorstep had long, silver hair and wore a dark, somber outfit. Around his neck hung a medallion in the shape of a protective pentagram, glinting faintly in the dim light — a reminder of old rituals and hidden truths.
"Incredible…" she whispered, her eyes shadowed with unease. "I did not see your arrival in the cards."
"I've come to protect your granddaughter," the man said, his voice low but filled with an undeniable authority.