But then I remember the threat about Colt, about my friends. I can't risk it.
The portal is still open behind me, pulsing with its blue-green light. It's my only way out.
“I'm sorry, really. I want to believe you, but it's much more complicated,” I murmur, and before Maris can react, I throw myself backward, crossing the circle of light withoutknowing if it will take me back to my world or if I'll end up lost in a different dimension.
Chapter 16
Nell
The sensation of falling is even worse than before. My body seems to dissolve in the current of energy, stretching like spaghetti, but I cling to the book with desperation. I'm not letting go even if it's the last thing I do in this world.
I expect to feel Maris following me, grabbing me by the ankle, and returning me to the place we came from. But the portal closes behind me with a snap, letting me fall again onto the dusty floor of Pearshield's warehouse.
The old man is there, watching me with an indecipherable expression.
“I see you've met Maris Brightcrown, and you're still alive,” he comments with a calmness that seems almost insulting given the situation. “Interesting.”
I get up, still trembling with rage and fear.
“Interesting? What the hell do you find interesting?!” I yell, unable to hide my frustration. “You sent me to another damn dimension? You're a fucking psychopath!”
Pearshield simply shrugs and smiles.
“Technically, you threw yourself into the portal,” he corrects. “I simply gave you the option to do it or not.”
“I didn't throw myself in, idiot,” I correct. “I grabbed my book, and the portal swallowed me. Why did you do it?”
“I had to return the book to its true owners,” he responds, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “What I didn't expect is that you'd manage to return alive... much less with the book. The Brightcrowns must be very furious. That tome is literally unique.”
“It's mine,” I remind him, hugging the book like it's a shield. “I need it. When I'm done with it, I'll return it to that woman or whoever. You can tell her I will, I swear. But for now, I need it,” I insist.
“Do you really know what you have in your hands?” he asks, and for the first time, I think there's a hint of concern in his voice. “That book contains secrets that could alter the balance between the realms. It wasn't written for a beginner. And I prefer not to ask why you have those powers, but it seems to me they'll bring you many more problems than you think.”
“I'll learn to use it,” I assure him, pressing the book against my chest again.
Pearshield studies me a moment longer, then nods slowly and shrugs.
“I suppose you will,” he murmurs. “If you stay alive, at least. The money is on the table. You can keep it if you want. Consider it a gift for the show.”
I don't wait for him to change his mind. I pick up the money and head straight for the exit, feeling his gaze on my back the whole time.
“Wind whisperer,” he calls when I'm about to cross the door. “Today you've drawn too much attention. They'll come looking for you. Be very careful who you trust. Not everything is what it seems in the world of the Fae.”
I leave the store without responding, with my heart beating so hard I fear I might have a heart attack. The city streets seem strangely normal after what I just experienced. People walking, the sound of cars, the sun beginning to set on the horizon. But I don't even know anymore what's normal and what isn't.
One thing is clear. I can't return to my apartment. The bookseller surely knows where I live and that Maris or her family will pay him a visit. I'm sure of it. Besides, I can't trust that Colt won't try to sell the book again as soon as he gets the chance now that he knows it's worth a lot of money.
There's only one place I can go.
**
I enter Sylara, Sabina, and Althea's building clutching the book so hard my arms hurt. The doorman doesn't even ask where I'm going, he simply gestures with his head and lets me pass. I suppose he already recognizes me.
When I reach the penthouse, Althea opens the door right after I knock.
“Nell?” she asks, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
Her expression changes immediately when she sees my state. I must look like a mess; with messy hair, clothes covered in dust and, probably, a look of absolute panic in my eyes.
