Cornelius and I both nod, but then Cornelius answers, “Most likely, yes. Certainly, you and Zion, but most likely all of us who are connected on that same level would end up at the same destination as long as truths align.”
“And people will be looking for this portal?”
It’s my turn to respond. “Absolutely, yes. Given how the portal was created, it likely only goes to a high-level area. There will definitely be a few power-hungry people seeking it out, hoping they get there first.”
Vivian looks between Cornelius and me again and then looks back at me. “And what happens once the ‘there’ is determined?”
“No one is going to wait for any determination; they’re going to seek it out and hope to get there first so they can reap the rewards they may find.”
She frowns and asks, “Rewards?”
Cornelius responds, “The keys to the kingdom, Vivian. It’s our job to make sure the wrong person doesn’t end up with them.”
Vivian still looks perplexed, and Cornelius frowns, stepping close to her as he says, “There are more details I’d love to give you right now about what’s happening, about your background, and how you fit into all of this, but I know to open the can of worms at this point in the game would be pointless.”
“Then why even bring it up?”
“Because telling you nothing would be even more stupid. And I don’t want you to be surprised if shit goes south and we end up in a fight.”
She frowns. “And why can’t it just be a civil discussion between friends?”
Cornelius snorts humorlessly. “Because friends or not, you’ll have done something stupid, and I’ll have no choice but to knock some truth into you.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” she asks slowly, obviously confused by his statement. “You’re more than welcome to tell me anything you feel I need to know without resorting to violence.”
Cornelius levels her with a bored look, then responds, “If it was as easy as that, we already would’ve done it.”
Wanting to stop this conversation before it gets us into trouble, I interject, “Some truths live locked away in the subconscious until the time is right. You can’t be talked into it. You can’t be cajoled, manipulated, or led down a path, or else you risk losing your truth forever. You have to trust that everything you need to know about us and yourself will come to light in good time, and to force this light would only end in a chaos none of us are prepared for.”
Vivian stares at me, then sighs loudly. “You all and your annoying riddles.”
“Exactly,” Cornelius drawls. “Sometimes the best way to find a truth is to have a drag-down fight about it.”
I groan, wishing he’d just stop talking about it while also understanding that he’s doing what he can get away with in the hopes of preparing her for what is likely to happen.
Standing back, I watch the two of them stare at each other, each having their own internal battle with the unknown future. Finally, Vivian asks, “Why bother warning me?”
“Cause it won’t be personal,” he responds with a half-shrug, his usual humor back in his demeanor and tone.
She raises a brow at him quizzically, then sighs in exasperation. Cornelius and I share a knowing look. Sayingnothing further, I head toward the door, knowing that Cornelius will follow and bring Vivian with him. I head down the walkway toward the stable, Cornelius falls on one side of me, Viv the other, then Cornelius says, “Seamus is covered for a few days. I got the bikes ready.”
I nod my thanks, knowing the words aren’t needed. I key in the code to open the bay door, then I stand there in the doorway, eyeing the scene before me suspiciously. “Cornelius, what is this?”
Cornelius grins as Vivian makes a squeak of excitement and zips right by me, immediately fawning all over the third bike that’s sitting in the middle of the room, completely unauthorized.
I follow her inside, stopping a few feet away and crossing my arms over my chest. “Absolutely not. That is not happening.”
She completely ignores me as she picks up the jacket slung over the seat and zips it up, preening as she runs her fingertips over the leather. Then she’s trading out her shoes for the boots, slapping on the safety gear that somehow miraculously fits her. Cornelius is watching her, still smiling, also ignoring me, so I step closer to him, punching him in the arm as I repeat, “This isn’t fucking happening.”
He glances at me and rolls his eyes, then turns back to watch Vivian, who’s now checking out a sleek black helmet. “And what do you suggest as an alternative?”
“She rides with me.”
Cornelius snorts and shakes her head. “Even if she was the type to be content as a passenger, this is neither the time nor the place for her to handicap herself that way.”
“How is being with me a bad thing?”
Cornelius levels me with a serious look. “What if something happens to you?”
