For three weeks, Isolde suffered silent dinners with Aurelian and weekend gatherings with the Lunaris family, making idle chat about wedding plans and trying not to recoil at his touch in front of company.


    Midnights she would awaken as if sirened by the portal, but then remember that there would be no more visiting Zethar, and feel crestfallen all over again. Lying awake, Isolde stared at the ceiling, quiet tears running down her cheeks as Aurelian snored softly beside her.


    She prayed for a miracle, and after 23 days, her husband-to-be was called away on business once more. He left abruptly but not before cornering Isolde in the kitchen and reminding her that she was not to leave the house in his absence.


    “I have eyes on you,” he warned. “Do not do anything you will regret, Isolde.”


    That night at midnight, she returned to the beach.


    By now, Isolde had memorized the number of steps to the portal site and the familiar landmarks along the way. Each one signaling she was closer to Zethar. To hearing his voice and feeling his presence once more. Only this time, it seemed as though the light was eluding her. The beach remained dark and hushed, save for the glint of two moons catching on gentle waves.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.After what felt like an eternity spiraling in the nothingness, Isolde crumpled onto the cold sand and began weeping.


    “Oh Zethar,” she cried. “I came as quickly as I could. Please come back. Please forgive me.”


    Zethar was in his tent, taking a nap and dreaming of Isolde. At first, the dream was soundless. She was underwater, and although he could see her drowning, he was paralyzed and could not swim to save her.


    As the dream continued, a message began to break through to the surface in fragments.


    Zethar


    Quickly


    Please


    He couldn’t understand what she was trying to say but the heartache in her familiar voice pierced through him. He jolted awake with a sharp pang in his chest.


    “Please come back,” the voice cried. Only it was no longer a dream. Rushing out of the tent, he could feel the entire basin humming with energy. The portal had returned.