I was lost in thought, completely zoning out, until Nathaniel gently tapped my shoulder.
I hadn't realized how tightly I was gripping my hands. My nails had dug tiny crescents into my palms.
Are you okay? I've been calling your name for a while, but you haven't responded.
I took a deep breath and looked at him. Sir Nathaniel, there's something I need to tell you. I was missing for three months… and I don't even know how.
When I woke up in my bed, it felt like I just fell asleep. But my family insists I disappeared for months . I don't remember anything
except for a flash of memory when I saw that book. It felt… familiar, like I had seen it before.
Nathaniel's eyes softened, understanding settling in them.
That's probably why they kidnapped you, Gehan. If you come with us, I can help you figure out why your memories are slipping. and I can remove the mark Sigil they're using to track you.
The word mark sent a chill down my spine. I hadn't noticed anything strange on my body… but now I wasn't so sure.
He reached out, resting a hand gently on my shoulder. His calm smile made it feel like answers were finally coming.
Can I call or text my family? I asked hesitantly.
Yes, but do it from our home. It's much safer there this place's magic blocks any form of communication.
Nathaniel and Zuriel guided me through the dense forest toward their base. The quiet crunch of leaves beneath our feet was suddenly broken as monstrous figures appeared, blocking our path.
What the heck is that?! I gasped, staring in disbelief.
I thought that was just CGI, I muttered, like some viral video on social media.
Nathaniel's face went serious. The government is scared, Gehan. They try so hard to hide these things because they don't want people to panic. But their SAFETY is actually a trap. It just stops people from ever learning how to use the spiritual powers they were born with.
He stopped for a second, his voice getting lower. The truth is, most humans aren't strong enough to handle that kind of power. It's like a battery that's too big for the machine it just drains their life until they have nothing left.
I frowned, still thinking about how the ground had shaken. Then what about the light? The earthquake? Do you actually know why that happened?
Nathaniel nodded slowly. I have a guess. People call it the Convergence.
He leaned in closer. Some say this Convergence was always supposed to happen. It didn't make the monsters; it just pulled back the curtain on the creatures from our myths that have been living here all along. Now that the wall between us is thin, people are starting to see things more clearly.
Then why do they call us crazy? I asked, thinking about the news reports.
Because if the government admits the monsters are real, they lose control, Nathaniel whispered. They claim anyone seeing visions is just hallucinating from some new infection or sickness . They push those pills to 'fix' your mind, but the medicine is just a muzzle. It weakens your abilities just enough to keep you quiet so no one panics.
I stared at him, the truth finally hitting me. Is that why you're hiding? Because of the government??
We aren't exactly hiding.
The government already knows we exist, but they keep it a secret, Nathaniel admitted. They give us a place to stay, but in return, they ask us for help. We're the ones they call to get rid of these creatures, because no man-made weapon actually works against them.
Nathaniel, Zuriel said confidently, I believe I can handle this kind of enemy.
Of course, master. These little bugs can't even touch me, Zuriel added with a smirk.
I noticed a sudden burst of fire shoot from Zuriel's wand and thought, So, it really can burn my face… I should be cautious around him. My head spinning. Who would've thought a wand could actually shoot fire on its own? I never really believed magic was real until now. Even though i see a lot of weird things
Zuriel's temper seemed as fiery as his magic
dangerous and consuming.
Nathaniel added, Zuriel is one of my best students, even before the convergence happened.
I looked puzzled. What's this convergence you mentioned?
Nathaniel's eyes darkened. I believe it's meant to benefit humanity, but the monsters have been creeping into our world even before it began.
Before I could ask more, a woman in a pink corset suddenly ran toward us, sword in hand. She come out of nowhere
Eris! What are you doing here? Nathaniel exclaimed.
I'm here because there's an emergency, Eris said, leaning close to Nathaniel's ear.
Zuriel scoffed. Nathaniel and I can handle this ourselves.
Nathaniel's face shifted from calm to shock as Eris whispered. Whatever she said clearly shook himhe lost his composure entirely.
Zuriel, I'm about to go to the council. Take care of Gehan and go to our residence,
Nathaniel said, summoning a large bird they both could ride. With that, he took off, leaving only me and Zuriel behind.
I looked at Zuriel, who already seemed irritated.
Don't be a burden to me. Let's leave,
he said gruffly.
I can't walk fast because I'm still recovering,
I admitted.
Zuriel sighed but slowed his pace to match mine. I wanted to start a conversation, but I held back, unsure if he would respond kindly.
Once we arrived at Nathaniel's hideout, exhaustion took over.
I collapsed onto the sofa. In my dream, a man helped me remove handcuffs placed by mysterious people in dark capes. That man was Nikolai.
Though it felt like our first meeting, I had a strange sense of familiarity with him.
I woke suddenly, heart pounding. Morning light filtered in through the window. A blanket had been placed over me. I glanced outside and saw Zuriel practicing spells.
As I slipped on my shoes to go outside, Zuriel walked back in.
So, you're awake now. You snore so loudly I couldn't sleep,he said with a smirk, teasing me.
I don't snore,I mumbled. I'm just tired after everything that happened yesterday. Has Sir Nathaniel contacted you yet?
No, he hasn't. Could be because of the shifters.
What are shifters? I asked.
Creatures that have always lived in our world
but deep inside the earth, Zuriel said.
With the convergence, the barrier between realms weakened, so they've started emerging. They want to overthrow humans.
Because humans destroy everything they touch, he continued. Look at the pollution. Mother Nature is dying. So yeah… I kind of get their point.
However, there is no concrete proof that shifters intend to attack humans due to mother nature; they are similar to lizard people in that they have the same abilities, but you can't really tell what they want.
But do you think they want to kill us? I asked.
Not exactly. But some say they kidnap humans and study them. Then they use their skin as disguises. That's why they're so hard to catch. They're great actors.
A chill ran down my spine.
Zuriel started making coffee. Help yourself. Or make your own.
Thanks, but I don't drink coffee. It triggers my reflux.
He walked off, and I turned on the television, trying to understand him. He was helpful, but always angry like fire waiting for something to burn.
As I sipped my milk, a sudden wave hit me.
Letters. Voices. Spells.
They flooded my mind all at once.
The glass slipped from my hand and shattered on the floor. I clutched my head and screamed. The voices weren't clear—just noise, loud and overwhelming, like thousands of whispers speaking at the same time.
Zuriel rushed over. What's wrong with you?!
I think it's the book, I gasped. After I used it, it vanished. I thought it was gone
but maybe it cursed me. Or maybe… maybe the curse passed to me.
Zuriel didn't hesitate. He started chanting under his breath. A glowing circle formed beneath me, symbols lighting up around my feet.
The voices stopped.
Silence.
I could breathe again.
Tears slid down my cheeks without me realizing.
I think someone cursed you. Or they're watching you, Zuriel said. This is only a protection spell. You'll be safe as long as you stay inside the circle.
But I can't do more. Only Master Nathaniel knows how to handle something like this.
Thank you, Zuriel, I whispered.
He crossed his arms and huffed. As if I had a choice. If you died in front of me, Master wouldn't let me take any more assignments.
Even when he helped, he had to sound annoyed.
My voice trembled. Okay… but can I borrow your phone? I just remembered.
I didn't call my mom. I need to know she's okay. She fainted when I was kidnapped. I'm just glad she wasn't taken with me.
Zuriel narrowed his eyes. He looked irritated. But not heartless. With a sigh, he stepped aside and pulled his phone from a pouch on his belt. He handed it to me, his voice firm.
Call your mom. But you don't leave the protection circle. You're still vulnerable outside it, and I'm not risking you getting attacked again. We wait for Master Nathaniel. Got it?
I nodded, clutching the phone like it was the most important thing in the world. Okay. I just need to know she's safe.
Zuriel stood near the edge of the glowing circle, watching carefully. He didn't step out. Good. He was staying alert.
I dialed.
Hi, Mom? Are you okay? I said softly.
There was a long pause.
Gehan?! Where are you? What did they do to you? Is this a ransom? I'll try to get the money
No, Mom! It's not a ransom, I cut in quickly. Yes, I was kidnapped, but I'm okay now. Some people saved me. I don't know why it happened. I just can't come back yet. I needed to make sure you were safe, that's all.
Zuriel crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently, but he didn't interrupt.
We can come get you! my mom said, her voice breaking.
No, I said firmly. I'll call you once a day so you don't worry. I'm just glad you're okay and that you weren't taken too. Just trust me, Mom. Okay?
Another pause.
I'm just worried, she said softly. You went missing for months, and now this happens… I'll come get you.
No, Mom. I'm fine. I think the signal is getting weak I made a crackling sound with my mouth and pulled the phone away. Hello? Mom? I can't
I ended the call.
My hands were shaking as I gave the phone back to Zuriel.
She's okay, I whispered.
He took it and gave me a firm nod. Good. Now stay inside the circle. You're not out of danger yet.
We wait for Master Nathaniel. No arguments.
The hour passed slowly.
Zuriel sat against the wall, arms crossed, chewing on a piece of dry bread. I stayed inside the protection circle, nibbling on my own piece, my thoughts drifting.
Neither of us spoke much.
The silence felt better than panic.
Then
The door creaked open.
Zuriel was on his feet instantly, magic already crackling at his fingertips.
But it wasn't Master Nathaniel.