It was nearly sunrise when Isolde returned home. After discovering the portal’s ability to carry a plume of smoke across dimensions, she and Zethar spent the rest of the night discussing the implications. There was no denying it now. The anomaly was getting stronger.


    She slipped quietly through the backdoor. Aurelian would be returning from his travels mid day, leaving her a few precious hours to rest before donning the mask of his dutiful bride-to-be. Or so she thought.


    Stepping inside, she reached for the kitchen light but it flicked on before her fingers could find the switch.


    “Aurelian,” Isolde gasped. “You’re home early.”


    “And you haven’t been home all night,” he snarled, the edge in his voice cutting as his eyes bore into her. “Care to explain yourself?”


    Isolde looked down at the sand-covered blanket she had carried out to the beach.


    “My darling,” she stammered, reaching for him. “I…I was lonely without you last night. I went to watch the sunset, but I must have fallen asleep.”


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    It was a flimsy yarn and they both knew it. Aurelian intercepted her hand, yanking Isolde toward him; his strength coiling around her like a threat.


    “You’re a liar,” he barked, releasing her with a cruel force that caused her to stumble to the floor. “You think I haven’t noticed you sneaking out in the middle of the night?”


    “Aurelian,” Isolde cried. “It''s not what you think.”


    “I don’t care what it is,” he said, kneeling to her level and pulling her face close. “If you disgrace me, Isolde, I will ruin you. I will ruin your entire family. Do you understand me?”


    “I understand,” she said.


    In return, Aurelian said nothing, releasing her carelessly as he stood. With a last look of disgust, he turned away and exited the room, leaving Isolde alone with the quiet unraveling of what little hope she had left.