"Are you sure you're both ready for this?" the commander asks, though I know his question is aimed more at me than at Marcus.

"Yes," we both reply. He nods his head, his lips pulled into a tight line as his eyes fall on me.

"This is unlike anything you will have done before, Miss Astor. This is highly dangerous and confidential. Do you understand?"

"I do, sir."

He sighs and stands up. "Her training has been going well?" he asks Marcus.

"She is a fast learner. She can hold her own well enough, not that she'll need to. I won't leave her side at all."

"Good," he replies. "The only reason why I am allowing someone as untrained and inexperienced as Miss Astor to go on this operation is because of you. If it were anyone else going in the field like this, then it simply wouldn't be happening."

"We know," Marcus chuckles.

The commander doesn't laugh. "I'm sticking my neck out for you here, Kaiser," he says. "Make sure this operation is a success. Do you know how difficult it is to get permission to use a Backstreet Portal? Especially when someone coming with you isn't fully trained in combat and even more importantly, has no training in escape, evasion and interrogation."

That's what he thinks.

I hold my smile back and keep my expression neutral. The commander looks at me and lets out a long sigh, shaking his head.

"You understand, Miss Astor, that if you are captured by the Athainians, you will be tortured."

I gulp and nod my head. "I understand," I say, adding a little shake to my voice to make it seem that the idea of that makes me nervous.

The commander looks back at Marcus, his expression stern.

"Look after her, Kaiser," he warns once more. "If it's discovered that I got a civilian who has access to highly confidential information captured and killed in the enemy realm...." He trails off, shaking his head and rubbing his temples.

"She is safe with me, Commander," Marcus promises once more.

The commander looks between the two of us and leans back on his desk.

"Go," he says, "a car is waiting."

"Thank you, Sir," Marcus says. He just huffs.

"The only reason I'm allowing this is because we are desperate, Kaiser," he mutters. "Any other situation and an operation like this would be immediately dismissed and laughed at."

Marcus chuckles. "I know, Sir," he replies. "But it's going to be a success, you'll see."

The commander doesn't reply. He just gestures for us to leave with a dismissive wave. We turn and exit the room quickly. I let out a shaky breath and clench my clammy hands into tight fists.

"Are you sure you can do this?" Marcus asks softly as we step into the lift.

"I'm sure," I say to him, praying that the message has been sent through to my family and that no one recognises me. All it will take is one look and my cover is blown.

Dread pools in the pits of my stomach, making me feel nauseous.

"What did the commander mean by being desperate?" I ask, trying to distract myself slightly.

"The Redbird operations are causing a lot of trouble," he replies. "The President and our top military officials want this solved. Quickly and quietly."

"That bad?" I ask, trying to keep my voice light-hearted.

"They know where one of our main smuggling portals is, they're stealing our weaponry and equipment we've already sent over there ready for..." he trails off. I know what he was about to say.

Ready for the invasion.

"We need to find out who told them about the portals and who is helping them establish their drug trade in this realm because whoever it is, they must be very high up in our government. Back street portal knowledge is highly confidential. Not even I am cleared to know where any are."

"Wow," I mutter.

"So the fact they do, and they are exploiting it is worrying."

We step outside where a car waits. A man in a plain black suit opens the back doors for us. I take in a sharp, nervous breath as I step inside. He shuts the door behind me with a heavy slam. Marcus gets in on the other side and once his door is closed, we are plunged into darkness. The windows are completely blacked out and there is a black screen in front of us, blocking our view of the driver and the windscreen beyond.

"See what I mean?" Marcus asks as he switches on a small light.

"Tell me the plan with the Redbirds again?" I ask, ignoring his question.

"We are going to negotiate with them," he says. "They aren't the average Athainian person. They are criminals whose main interest is power and money. We're going to try and get them to give up their contact and to stop stealing our weaponry."

"Without trying to sound cold," I say, hating the words about to come out of my mouth, but needing to know the answer, "why isn't the commander and leadership interested in just killing them?"

"Because we need them," he sighs, "we need to know who their contact is, we need to know where they've shipped off the weaponry they've stolen, and we need the connections and knowledge they have over their own politicians. Plus, I don't think killing them would be so easy," he mutters.

I nod my head, relief pulsing through me. One thing I know for certain is that if I even see a sign that Marcus is about to attack my family, I'll put a bullet in him. I don't care if that blows my cover and means that I can't return to this realm. I'm not going to let him hurt my family.

My head spins with nerves and I lean back in the chair. Marcus smiles softly and reaches out. His hand finds mine and he gives it a reassuring squeeze. I look over to him. A soft smile sits on his face and I can't help but smile back, my heart fluttering slightly.

"It's going to be okay, Ivy," he says.

"I know, I trust you," I reply and shiver as our fingers intertwine.

"Try and get some sleep," he says. "I have a feeling this could be a long journey and I don't know about you, but we left so early in the morning, that I only got about two hours of sleep."

"Me too," I chuckle, leaning my head back and closing my eyes. I can't help but smile as his thumb gently strokes my hand reassuringly. I resist telling him that his touch does the opposite of making me feel tired.

***

My breath stills in my throat as I stare at my reflection. There had been a time when I thought I may never see my home again. Where I'd never wear these clothes again, or have my hair styled this way.

But staring back at me is someone I recognise. It's my true self. I run my hands through the pleated, A-line skirt of my dress that stops just beneath my kneecaps. I look at the square, padded shoulders, the small V neck and the buttons that run down the middle of the torso, stopping at the blue belt that goes around my waist. This is the type of dress I grew up in. Yet now, seeing it on me, it feels strangely unnatural. The stockings, with their black seam running up the back, feel scratchy. The little red shoes on my feet have a small, delicate heel. A nice change from wearing my stilettos.

"Just doing the finishing touches, Miss Astor," the woman who has been helping me dress says as she styles the final victory roll.

I stare at my hair, a lump forming in my throat as I remember my mother styling it on one of my last days before I left for this realm. This woman has done a good job, pulling my hair back off my face in elegant rolls, leaving the rest falling down my back in soft waves.

"There we go," she says, then hands me a pair of red gloves and a small red handbag to match. They match the colour of the bright red lipstick I wear.

"Thank you," I say, taking it with shaking hands. She leaves quickly, saying nothing further to me. I stare at my reflection, unblinking, still trying to comprehend the fact that I am going home and that the person staring back at me is really me.

After living in the Fourth Realm for so long, wearing these clothes, styling my hair like this, and wearing my make-up like this just doesn't feel natural any more.

There is a knock on the door.

"Come in," I say. Marcus walks in and I turn around. He pauses when he sees me, his eyes widening slightly.

"You look..." he trails off, his blue eyes bright as he stares at me. I smile softly.

"You're looking very handsome," I comment, looking at his suit. I find myself curious as to how a suit can look so different. He wears a suit every day, but this feels like a whole new outfit.

"It feels odd. The trousers are a little baggier than I'm used to, and I'm wearing suspenders," he chuckles, pulling aside the dark blue blazer to reveal the black suspenders travelling up over his white shirt.

"The blazer is longer," I comment, noting the three rows of gold buttons that sit on the smooth, royal blue material.

"And the shoulders are more padded, it feels strange to move in," he chuckles as he adjusts the tie.

I walk over to him and brush his hands away gently. He straightens as I adjust the grey tweed tie.

"There," I say, looking up at him, our bodies close. He smiles down at me, making my stomach flutter. I notice his hair has been styled differently too, the dark brown locks pulled back slickly. That small curl has still escaped, however. The urge to reach up at tuck it away surges through me, but I resist as our eyes meet.

The air stills between us and for a second, I stop breathing. His smile is beautiful and his eyes feel like they are looking straight into my soul.

"You look beautiful, Ivy," he says lowly.

I feel a small flush heat my cheeks and I look down, biting back my smile.

"Thank you," I say, and take the grey fedora in his hands. I reach up and put it on his head.

"I think we're ready," I say.

"I think so too," he replies.

***

Unlike the portal I went through to get back to my realm for training, which was undiscovered and in the middle of nowhere, the Fourth Realm has built a whole military base around this one.

We walk into the main warehouse and my eyes widen. There are three portals. They float in the middle of the room about five metres off the ground. Metal stairs have been built up to them.

I stare at them in awe. The way they cut through the air and shimmer is so unnaturally, strikingly beautiful that I can't look away.

"Where is that one too?" I ask, pointing far left one with a frown.

"The Fifth Realm," Marcus replies, his tone worried.

I gulp, knowing that was going to be his answer. A wall of ice sits beyond it. More ice slowly creeps onto the stairs around it and the room has a strange chill.

"Why's it like that?" I ask, remembering what Connor had said at graduation, and also remembering the way ice had leaked out of the other Fifth Realm portal I had seen when I'd first arrived in this realm.

"We don't know," Marcus replies darkly. "But we should. Our realm is too distracted with the Second Realm to care."

"Mr Kaiser," someone shouts behind us. We spin, turning to face a man dressed in a dark green military uniform. Judging by the badges and stripes on it, he is very high ranking.

"General Spearze," Marcus grins and the two shake hands.

"It's good to see you again," the general says. "Are you sure you don't want to come back? Get back out in the field again?"

"My military days are behind me, General," Marcus replies. "And though I would love to chat, Miss Astor and I really must get going."

He sighs with disappointment and shakes his head. "A damn shame. Your talents are being wasted in an office."

"Well, if it comes to the worst and war breaks out, I'm sure I'll be stationed in a more practical role."

"Aye, that's for damn sure," he agrees. "There's no way the President is going to waste a man with your abilities."

Marcus smiles awkwardly and then looks at me.

"Right," the general says and gestures to the portals. "You've both been briefed?"

"Yes," Marcus and I reply.

"Excellent," he says and walks towards the stairs. "I guess this is the first time either of you have stepped through a portal."

"Yes," we both reply the lie slipping out easily.

I zone out the general as he talks about the aftereffects of going through the portal and what we should expect on the other side.

My stomach twists with fear as I stare at the portal, seeing nothing but a dark room beyond.

"Are you ready?" Marcus asks. My mouth dries and I nod my head.

"Good luck," the general says.

"Thank you, sir," Marcus replies. Then, he looks down at me. His smile is confident and reassuring.

"This is it, Ivy. There's no going back. Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," I reply, my voice breaking slightly from my fear.

Marcus smiles, his eyes twinkling.

"After you," he says, gesturing for me to walk ahead.

I gulp and square my shoulders.

Then, I step forward into the portal. Weight presses against me, making my stomach lurch and my joints feel heavy. In a second, I am on the other side. Nausea rushes through me and my head spins with disorientation. I close my eyes.

Will I ever get used to this feeling?

I retch and bring my hand up to my mouth, forcing myself not to be sick.

"Do you need a bucket?" someone asks, but I don't see their face as I keep my eyes tightly shut. I shake my head as I retch again. I freeze for a moment, taking in slow deep breaths as my stomach continues to churn with discomfort.

Slowly, the feeling begins to ebb. I let out a sigh of relief and open my eyes. Immediately, I look at Marcus. He isn't holding up much better than me.

His skin has gone strangely pale and he holds a metal bucket. He shudders and nearly gags, but forces it down much like I had. He remains completely still, waiting for the wave to pass.

"Best just let it out, Mr Kaiser," someone chuckles, "you'll feel much better."

Defiance flashes through Marcus' eyes and he shakes his head, taking in slow deep breaths as I had. Colour begins to return to his face and he eventually passes the bucket back with a sigh of relief. His eyes find mine.

"That was awful," he says with a dry laugh.

I nod my head in agreement, my stomach still a little sensitive.

"Wow, two first-timers and no vomiting," that same voice says, laughing. We turn to her. "Impressive," she continues. Another member of the military, she wears dark green uniform. Unlike a smart suit like the general had worn, hers is field wear, the material covered in camouflage patterns. She wears a matching cap.

The uniform is that of the fourth realm. It is far too modern to be anything soldiers from the second realm would be wearing. I quickly deduce that we are in some sort of fourth-realm military base that has somehow been set up without detection in my realm. Then again, I'm sure my realm has secret bases across the fourth realm too.

"I don't have many fears," Marcus says, "but being sick is one of them." He chuckles dryly and I raise my eyes in surprise. I hadn't expected a man as powerful and as dangerous as Marcus to have such a mundane phobia.

The woman laughs and then looks at me. "Well, I'm very impressed. It's almost like you've been through a portal before," she says and nudges me jokingly. I laugh, hoping it doesn't come off as awkward or nervous.

"No, just a strong stomach," I tell her.

"Well, you're going to need it where you're going. The City of Thuldon is a right shit hole."

I almost want to slap her. She's not wrong. But how dare she say that about my home. Instead, I just smile along.

"Give them a proper welcome, Captain," a man says walking in.

"My apologies, Lieutenant Colonel" she chuckles.

Despite being of a higher rank, he also wears field gear, the uniform almost identical to the woman's, except for the metal pins signifying his rank.

"Welcome to the Second Realm," the captain says. "I'm Captain Fray, and this is Lieutenant Colonel Stone."

Marcus shakes their hands, smiling. "I'm Marcus Kaiser and this is my translator, Ivy Astor."

"Oh, we're all aware of who you are, Mr Kaiser, Lieutenant Colonel Stone says, smiling. "You have quite the reputation."

Marcus' smile tightens slightly, but they don't notice, their gazes shifting to me. "And it is good to meet you, Miss Astor. It isn't every day a civilian is allowed to cross portals."

Before I can reply, they spin on their heels and gesture for us to follow. "It is going to take you both some getting used to, being here. This realm, technologically, is about eighty years behind us."

I look around at the strange room we're in, taking note of the dull concrete walls and the flickering dim lights. It is a far stretch from the sterile, modern facility we've just come from.

The pair keep talking, but I ignore them. I don't need to know about how things are different here.

They take us outside and Marcus stops. He closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath. I do the same as fresh air hits me, free from the smells of fumes and chemicals that I'd grown so used to in the city.

"Fresh, unpolluted air," Captain Fray chuckles. "Don't realise how special it is until you don't have it."

Marcus nods and looks out ahead. We are in the middle of nowhere. Rolling green hills spread out around us, going on for miles and miles. In the distance are snow-peaked mountains.

The Serntora Mountains.

My breath stills and I almost feel tears welling up in my eyes.

Those mountains mean I'm either in Athaine or in No Man's Land.

I'm home.

"As much as I'm sure you both would love to stay and soak up the views, I've been told your operation is urgent," Captain Fray interrupts.

"We have a truck ready, but be aware, the journey will be a long one. We are on the Athainian border and the city you're going to is nearly two-hundred miles away. It's going to be a long and uncomfortable journey."

"We should get going," Marcus agrees and gestures for me to follow.

I stare at the mountains for a moment longer, trying to push aside my growing excitement.

My mother and father are two hundred miles away and they are waiting for me.