The adjudicator considered it. “This is a most unusual request, Celine Devereaux Buckley.”
“But not an unfair one. I have no malicious schemes intended, I merely request his assistance and prefer to stave off any battles while you are… unavailable. We may revisit the subject at your convenience. Therefore, the situation I request is only temporary.”
The adjudicator mulled her case. “Granted, Celine Devereaux Buckley, as a temporary peace-keeping measure. We will revisit at the end of my repose. I shall place a portal outside the cabin. Leave when you have completed your business.”
“Thank you,” she stated with a smile.
The adjudicator shot into the sky, leaving Celine on the ground. She turned, finding the cabin the adjudicator mentioned near a grove of trees uphill from her. She drew in a deep breath, preparing herself. Celine hiked the gentle, sloping hill to the cabin. She stood straighter, squaring her shoulders and taking another deep breath.
Celine turned the doorknob, pushing through the door. Marcus sat near a roaring fireplace, a book in his hands. He glanced up as the door opened. An expression of shock covered his face. “Celine?” he questioned.
“Hello, Marcus,” Celine responded.
“I must admit, I am shocked to see you.”
“I am shocked to be here, but I had no choice.”
“The adjudicator?” he queried.
“No,” Celine answered. She paused a moment, swallowing hard. “I need your help, Marcus.”
“My help?” Marcus questioned. “Is that what you said?”
Celine sighed, rolling her eyes. “Yes, Marcus. I need your help.”
“Oh, forgive me, my dear,” Marcus answered, standing and approaching her. “I presumed I misunderstood. Celine Devereaux, asking for my help? I never imagined I’d see the day.”
“Believe me, you were our last choice.”
“But I was still your choice.” He smirked at her.
Celine allowed him his moment. “So, you’ll help me?” Celine inquired.
“Why would I? After your most recent betrayal, what would make you assume I would deign to help you with anything?”
“Because it releases you from Shadow World if you do,” Celine responded.
“Hmm,” Marcus murmured, considering the information. “The question becomes, is my freedom worth the price you ask? Assumedly, I shall be free again anyway once the adjudicator finishes its repose.”
“That won’t be for months,” Celine pointed out. “Plus, there is no guarantee it will return you to earth afterwards.”
Marcus raised an eyebrow at her. “What are the circumstances of your request?”
“It’s Damien and Michael,” Celine responded, her voice wavering at the mention of Damien’s name. “That pulse that burst from our battle, the one that sent us here… it’s done something to them. From the symptoms, I believe they may be in Alterra.”
“What are the symptoms?” Marcus inquired. The barely discernible whimper in her voice as she mentioned Damien’s name did not escape him. While she presented a brave front, it was obvious the situation distressed her.
“They experience elevated breathing, heart rate, and brain activity at the same times. And their body temperatures are dropping.”
Marcus considered the information. “You may be correct. What do you want from me, Celine?”
“I want you to help me get them back.”
“How?”
“You’ve been there. You understand how to get there and how to get back. I need you to help me get them back.”
“It’s true. I have visited Alterra,” Marcus admitted.
“So, will you help me?”
“I cannot fathom Buckley agreeing to this,” Marcus answered.
“Gray has agreed. They are dying, Marcus. We have little other choice. I will not let them die.”
“So, here you are.”
“Yes, here I am. Now, will you help me? Please?” She rested her eyes on him, pleading.
He stared at her teary crystal blue eyes for a moment, then averted his gaze. “I’ll need to return to earth. Have you cleared your request with the adjudicator?”
“I have.”
Marcus smiled, raising his eyebrows and returning his gaze to her. “My, my, Celine, you really are talented. You have quite a way with that adjudicator.”
Celine sighed. “Well? You’ve yet to answer me. Will you help me?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Celine. I was just savoring this moment. The moment Celine has approached me to beg for my help. It really is quite a sensation.”
“Yes, Marcus, have your moment. Savor it all you’d like. I am imploring your help. You realize how much Damien in particular means to me. You brought him to me after you imprisoned me because you realized how important he is to me. I would do anything for him, including seek your help. His life is in your hands. What is your decision? Will you help or will you let him die?”
Marcus glanced at her. “All right, Celine. I shall help you. At the very least, it allows me to escape this frigid, desolate place.”
Celine breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. Let’s go. The adjudicator placed a portal outside of the cabin. I’ll return the way I came.”
“After you, my dear,” Marcus replied.
They left the cabin with Marcus stepping through the portal. After Celine witnessed him depart from the world, she slipped from the realm and back to her own. She opened her eyes, glancing around. Marcus Northcott stood at the foot of her bed. “Welcome back, Celine,” he greeted her.
1812, Buckley Country Estate
Celine considered their words. She pulled her hands away from Damien’s, sitting straighter. “What you ask me to do is difficult, if not impossible.”
“We realize it won’t be easy. We’re not suggesting it will be,” Damien responded. “However, living with that man cannot be easy either.”
“Especially when it becomes obvious what kind of plans he has,” Michael added.
Celine sighed, wiping her face and sniffling. She stared ahead, making eye contact with no one. “I have been aware of his designs for years. Perhaps I am as wicked as he for turning a blind eye toward it for my own comfort.”
Everyone assured her she was not. “No, Celine. You did the best you could. He used you, manipulated you. We were there. We know what he said and did to force you into joining him.”
“My life has not been difficult. However, it has lacked true happiness and companionship. We are like players on a stage. Well-scripted and
