In the Other World there are many realms, planets and dimensions. Some more famous than others. For their powerful fairies, magical artifacts, peculiar beings or riches.

The kingdom of Andros is famous to most for its mermaids and its healing waters. And that's where Verena was.

She was seated in one of the palace's many meeting rooms.  Fiddling nervously with her necklace. Her mind full and heart anxious.

"Verena Neith" King Neturno opened his arms with a soft smile "What a pleasant surprise"

He was a smiling gentleman with his 50s and a few years. Long hair in several braids. Despite being a rigid king with his royal chores and his laws, he loved the visit of good friend.

"Majesty" Verena stood up bowing her head in respect "Sorry to show up unannounced and disturb your commitments. I imagine you are full of important things"

"Don't worry. Ligea is taking care of everything" The King pulled her into a warm and friendly hug "You know you're always welcome at any time. Now, tell me what you need"

Settling back down, Verena glanced at the guards at the doors and behind the king before returning her gaze to him.  With a signal, the guards withdrew, closing the doors.  Complying with the request for privacy.

"There's something different about you" Neturno narrowed his eyes.

"There's a lot different" Verena sighed for what seemed like the thousandth time in that hour.

"You're sick" Verena laughed humorlessly. Of course he would realize "You came to our waters to heal. We would have sent more if we'd known you were out."

"I'm not here for a cure. Your waters are powerful, but even they can't help me. I've tried."

"So tell us what's wrong and we'll help you look for it..."

"There is no cure for me. I'm dying." Her voice cracked and her eyes burned. The King looked at her with pity. "But that's not what matters right now. I need something else. Something only you have"

"And what would it be?"  He asked quietly. Willing to help.

"The Gate of the Selkies"

The King's eyes widened and the color seemed to drain from his face. The uncomfortable, heavy silence stretched out for several minutes.

"Sorry?"  He stuttered trying to come to himself.

"The Gate of the Selkies" Verena repeated slowly. Trying to stay calm "The one you protect and hide under the castle"

"How do you know about him? This information has been forbidden to be shared since..."

"Since the war of Domino. Since kings Oritel and Cassian ordered them sealed away for the protection of the other realms before the darkness and ultimate power passed and destroyed everything. Power that was invoked by the sisters Marion and Dabria"

"How...?"  He got up in bewilderment. Back to stuttering and looking at the woman in front of him "The fact that you have great knowledge is well known. But this...."

"The blood of the sisters still lives. Today. Here in the Other World. It wasn't just the Burned Ones that passed. The magic of Domino is here and it's growing"

"This is impossible..."

"I can prove that it isn't. And after I do, King Neturnus, you and your wife will open the stone passageway in the dungeons, summon the Selkies, and grant me passage to Domino."

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The cave that was revealed nearly took Verena's breath away.  Tall, ancient trees added to the darkness. Moss covered the floor and climbed the walls. The light sources were fireflies and small nymphs.

At the end of the green path, steps led down to a lake that hadn't been touched in centuries. The water without any waves reflected everything around it like a large mirror.

"Are you sure you want to go? Domino for all we know has turned into a frozen inferno" Queen Ligea asked holding Verena's arm.

"I need to" She whispered "Please"

"Just promise you'll be careful, honey." With a kiss on her forehead, the queen led her up the steps "We don't know the demons that haunt that place"

The lights fluttered and hid in the branches as Verena entered the lake. Two Selkies on her shoulders guiding her.  Their small hands stroked Verena's hair and face. With affection and concern.

"Serena, Lemmy, I'll be fine" Verena tried to reassure and calm the little guardians

"After everything you've been through, you still want to go back. Still so stubborn" Serena sighed, shaking her head.

"Open the portal" Closing her eyes, she continued towards the middle of the lake.

Being pushed down, Verena dove in, feeling the ancient magic being awakened.

Come Sadira. We have to go back.

But Mom. Can't I play more with them?

Another day dear. Your father is waiting for us.

Feeling painful twinges coming with the voices, Verena's body shook. Lungs burning and flooding, she began to fight her way to the surface.

Control the fire Sadira. Don't let it spread.

Control the shadows Sadira. Don't let them control you.

Verena coughed up salt water. Forcing her arms and legs to pull away from the cold waves that tried to pull her back. Grunting in pain, she opened her eyes to see that it wasn't sand cutting into her skin. She was dragging herself across broken glass.

Use ultimate power, Sadira. You need to save everyone.

Verena screamed in pain. Tightly clasped hands. Her cuts getting deeper.

Your parents are dead Sadira. You weren't strong enough.

Verena screamed again.

STOP. You will kill us all.

Grabbing her head and slamming it against the ground and slicing her own forehead, Verena gave another scream. As she got up, her powers went out of control and she was transported to a field in front of the ruins of what was once the largest and most magnificent castle.

Looking around, she saw a war frozen in time. Ash fell from the sky and covered the ground like black snow.

Burnt statues raise swords in a fight. Bodies on the floor with agony and pain on their deformed faces.

Ligea's voice whispered in her ear.

Frozen inferno. Frozen in time.

With red tears streaming down her face, Verena fell to her knees and screamed in pain at the memory of the innocent lives lost all around her. Lives she should have been able to save. Lives she took. Souls that will never have peace.

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I'm baaaaack. Did you miss this story? Cause I did.

And thank you so much for the comments and votes.  It was the biggest incentive to come back.

Buuuuut, the posts won't be so frequent for now because I'm still studying and so is   mackiavelick  .

I hope you enjoyed today's Cap♡
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