“And that’s how a place like Point Epoch can exist! I’d heard about all of the alternate worlds in history class, but it’s a topic that’s brushed over a lot.”
Trevor nodded. “Because it was…he…who made this place the way it is.”
“I’m assuming you’re getting to that part.” She leaned forward in obvious excitement.
He nodded solemnly, like his dog had just been shot. “It started with a spell.”
Chapter Nine
Backtrack
Lucretia took a great deal of time to answer everything. She never got irritated or talked down to me, no matter how deep or personal my questions got.
“So how did you get here?” I asked. “What was your old home like?”
“I come from a world where magic is commonplace.” She gazed down at her hands. We were both sitting on the log again. A huge weight seemed to be lifted off her shoulders. I’d only see her this free one more time. To prove that she actually had magic, she drew the moonlight into a small sphere of energy in her hands. “When you move to a new world, you don’t change who you are. Everything you’ve been gifted with at birth is still there. My magic isn’t evil, simply a tool.”
“You were born this way then?” My eyes were fixed on the beautiful ball of light she held. To say I was awestruck is an understatement. There might not be a word in the English language that properly conveys just how amazed I felt when I saw true magic for the first time.
Lucretia cradled the ball, smiling sadly. “Where I’m from, magic is indeed a gift. While it might be common, it’s not something anyone is born with naturally. In some worlds, though, it is. Where I’m from, we are given magic when we pledge allegiance to one of the gods. They call themselves gods, but they’re actually super powered mortals. Longer life, hard to kill, and constantly trying to outdo one another. It’s a game for them.”
I frowned, thinking over her words. “Are you one of the playing pieces?”
“Of course, I am.” She chuckled. “Every human is, and every human is expected to make their declaration by the time they turn eighteen. I didn’t choose according to my parents’ expectations, though. I wanted to follow my heart, and it resulted in my being outcast.”
“Wait, but then…” I shook my head. “Aren’t your parents with you now?”
She shook her head. “No, they’re guardians given to me by my lord. You’d know him as Hades. I believe that is the name he goes by on this world. My life was in danger because of my supposed betrayal. He has blessed me with another chance at life here. With conditions…”
“Of course,” I muttered.
“I’m a game piece, and he is the player. My move must benefit him in some way,” she said gently. “It is his hope that he can create a place where the worlds may converge freely. A place that can be a refuge for others who are outcast like myself. A place where he can harness his power and overtake the current winners of the game.”
I nodded, listening intently. “Why do we not want them to win the game over Hades?”
At that point, I had to tune out my logical side. Because logic could not piece all of those parts of the puzzle together. My imagination and heart, on the other hand, were open to believing in what so many would consider to be impossible. Logic and I had plans to reconnect later, though. I had no intention of going into the situation blinded by her womanly charms.
Lucretia took the time to think over my question, and I appreciated that. Made it clear she had every intention of giving me a true answer.
She rubbed the palms of her hands over her thighs. “Hades, in my opinion, is the most grounded and realistic of his kind. It’s because his natural magic is tied to the cycle of life and death. It isn’t full of glamor, and it can’t be used superfluously. He does nothing unless it has a purpose. I admire that. If anyone is going to be in charge of a universe, it should be someone who cares about something else besides looking good.”
“He wants to do something real with his power,” I summarized.
“I want to believe so.” She gave me a weak smile. “Part of being here is blending in. Nothing about this world is the same. The clothes, the culture, it’s all so strange. This town was chosen because of its connection to so many worlds. There’s a disruption in the forces that keep them separated. This is a prime location. I’m to establish roots here.”
“Thus, your guardians are pushing you into finding a suitable spouse…” I couldn’t help but laugh.
Lucretia got quiet for a moment, then shook her head. “They aren’t pushing me into a marriage, necessarily. However, cultural normalities show that I should be on the lookout for a husband. One who is appropriate in standing, and I need to do so at a good age for marriage before I’m labeled undesirable and too old. Blending in is essential, William. It’s the number one priority for the time being.”
“A shame,” I said. “It doesn’t sound like the way you would prefer to blend in.”
“It’s not. I’d rather not be married; however, they’ve agreed to meet you and give you a chance. When I tell them we’ve had this conversation, they will be even more in favor of the idea…” Her gaze met mine then, and I could see her cheeks flush with heat under the light of the rising sun.
Wait, the sun was rising? I uttered a curse. “I need to get home! If my father finds out I’ve been out all night here…”
“Will you come to the party?
