“You shouldn’t have come here,” I hissed, closing the door behind me. His dark and intense black eyes squinted in slight anger.

“I had no choice,” he snapped, his voice low. “You of all people know that I’m not as fond of the mortal world as my brother. I rolled my eyes. He did have a point. I knew him better than anyone. And Ian did seem to have a love for my world, though I never really understood why I gave him the trait.

“Roman, I told you and everyone else not to contact me,” I whispered in irritation.

“Solace, I’m quite aware of our situation,” he groaned. The name Solace hit me deep and hard. I hadn’t heard that name in a long time. No one had called me by that name in what seemed like forever. At least, not in person.

“Your world is in severe danger!,” I insisted in desperation. “Your world is, well, a little medieval. That’s my fault, but I didn’t know that it would be real! My world and government will crush you!” Roman exhaled in irritation.

“I know what we’re up against, trust me, I know,” he muttered. “Halaina and Lana are doing their best to build a somewhat modern army. But we need you, Solace. With your power and creativity, you could help defend Alexandria.”

Again, the name Solace cut my heart. I remember telling him the name because I hated my real name and now it sticks to me. I used to not mind the name. In fact, I like the name. A lot. It reminded of me of all of my friends. The friends I had a slim chance of seeing again. But life wore the name down. It made me nostalgic for my true friends.

“Roman…I’m not as powerful as you think,” I whispered in a somber tone. “This was just an idea I came up with when I was 10! I don’t know what else I can do.” Roman turned away in failure.

“Well, when our world falls after 10,000 years, history will blame you,” he mumbles, before turning to leave. Before he opened the door, sirens sounded. Both me and Roman stopped, as the sound of sirens wailed and came closer. A moment later, the roar of helicopters unused.

“Claire Carter, Roman Amaro, step out of the house and no harm will be done,” a loud voice called. I turned to face Roman. His expression seemed panicked, but he had a mischievous look in his eye.

“Solace, duck under the table and put your hand out in front of you,” Roman whispered. I nodded, then did as he instructed. Once I was safe, a black orb levitated above his hand…just like Scarlett’s. A deja by feeling flooded me. This was just like when I was 10 and in the first chapter of my book. I ducked my head as black light flooded the room and I mentally prepared for what came next.

When my eye sight came back, my whole house was destroyed. My family photos with me, my sister, and my parents were gone. All of my books, lost. Every single memory, never to return. I looked up at the sky. No more helicopters.

Then I turned to Roman. His face was drenched with sweat. He exhaled and inhaled quickly.

“I…that’s the…first time I’ve tried it…since Scarlett,” he stuttered. I nodded, still in slight shock. I had created so many scenes including this specific type of magic, but I had never expected to experience it for myself.

“Yeah, yeah,” I muttered. Roman nodded, then turned to walk away.

“Roman, wait,” I murmured breathlessly. Roman turned back around.

“Yeah?,” he asked. I exhaled, trying to make sure I wouldn’t regret my next words.

“I want to come back with you, help you fight,” I sighed. Roman’s eyes lite up, but his face stayed the same.

“Okay then,” he replied, then gave me a hand motion that told me that he wanted me to follow him. “Well, come on.” Slowly, I walked towards him. In a swift motion, he placed his hand on my shoulder, then closed his eyes. A moment later, a black portal appeared above us. I stared up in awe. It was a million times more majestic and beautiful then I ever could describe.

Unfortunately, my moment of awe ended to soon when I started to levitate above the ground. I let out a high pitch squeak in an octave I never thought I could reach. And within a millisecond, the portal sucked us in.

Just as I had described, it felt as if all of your atoms, molecules, bones, organs, and limbs were being torn apart.

When we finally left the portal, both Roman and I fell onto a grassy hill illuminated by the beautiful city in the distance. Then it hit me. This really was Alexandria. This vast land, I created it. This was what I had spent so many years making. Slowly, I frowned. Now, I had to save it. No matter what the cost. All of my hard work couldn’t go to waste.

I turned to Roman.

“Let’s go,” I whispered. Roman nodded, then we both started walking towards the large and bright metropolis of Alexandria’s capital.