Chương 37: 037

The hair on my neck prickled, and I straightened beneath the weight of Time's ancient gaze.

"She is resting, and you will not disturb her," he said, lifting his chin. His eyes flashed—a clear warning.

"Her precise location is irrelevant." The challenge in his tone was unmistakable. I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

"I'm not trying to wake her up. I just-." I just want to know she's okay. The words lodged in my throat. I turned away, suddenly too aware of how exposed I felt under his scrutiny. The last time I'd seen Karma, she'd looked exhausted, brittle around the edges, and she'd brushed off my concern with practiced ease. Now she was effectively comatose, recovering from draining herself to keep me alive. Worry wasn't unreasonable. It would've been stranger if I hadn't asked.

Time's posture eased, the sharp edge leaving his stare.

"Your concern is understandable." He paused.

"As for her condition, she has only herself to blame. I offered to supplement her power to ease the strain, but she refused." A fond, exasperated twist crossed his features.

"My wife rarely prioritizes her own well-being. Once her resolve is set, nothing sways her." His gaze hardened briefly.

"Do not shoulder guilt that is not yours. Karma would be… displeased if you did." The tight knot in my chest loosened a fraction. I nodded.

"I'll try," I muttered.

"No promises." She was a force of nature. Seeing her worn thin felt wrong on a fundamental level. I wished, futilely, that I could do something to help her recover faster. Time studied me for a moment, then stepped closer to the vast ocean of sand. He gestured downward.

"I will not take you to her. It would be an unnecessary distraction, one that would wake her." His hand swept through the air.

"But this should ease your mind." This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The sand rippled, colors flashing and folding over themselves like a living kaleidoscope. When it stilled, an image took shape. Karma lay asleep, crimson hair spilled across dark sheets not made of sand, I noted absently. Time snorted, clearly catching the thought.

"Existing on a different plane does not restrict spirits from enjoying mortal comforts. Those sheets are woven from the finest cloud silk and the pillows are filled with Zephyr Pegasus feathers." His voice softened.

"I had them specially made by Inspiration for her." Judging by the steady, unmistakable snoring, she approved. A smile tugged at my lips as I looked back at him.

"Thanks. It helps, seeing that she's okay." I hesitated, then added, "Didn't expect spirits to snore, though."

"Most do not," Time said, his gaze lingering on her image.

"She has always been… exceptional." For a fleeting instant, something like longing crossed his expression. Then he flicked his hand, and the vision vanished.

"But enough," he said, straightening.

"I have finished rewinding Nexus. We must depart." I took one last look at the shifting sands. Despite the nightmare and the tension, there was a quiet peace here, one I doubted I'd feel again anytime soon. The faint pang of loss surprised me, but I buried it. There was work to do. Hiding wouldn't save anyone. Time stepped away from the ocean, drawing my focus back to him.

"When you arrive, locate the king immediately. Once he is no longer a factor, we will proceed." He raised his arms. Power surged, thick and crushing, the air vibrating as his eyes ignited like twin suns.

"Prepare yourself," he warned.

"Transitioning between planes is… unpleasant for mortals." I didn't get the chance to reply. The world vanished. Dunes, sky, ocean, gone in an instant. Darkness swallowed everything, vast and suffocating, and instinctive panic clawed its way up my spine.

"Time?!" His voice cut through the void, steady and reassuring. A familiar pressure settled on my shoulder.

"Breathe. You are safe. Nexus awaits." I forced the panic down, inhaling slowly.

"Okay," I said, voice tight.

"Then… where are we?" A weary chuckle echoed in my mind.

"A pocket dimension. A threshold between the spirit realm and Nexus." He paused.

"Further questions will have to wait. Your curiosity is commendable, but matters demand attention. Once the king is dealt with, I will take human form. Then, I will begin instructing you." The thought of facing Silas–of using Fast Forward again, the same power that had turned my arm to dust–curdled my stomach. Still… there was something to look forward to afterward. Nexus was vast. Strange. Alive with magic and creatures I'd only begun to glimpse. There would be time to explore, after the apocalypse was handled.

Darkness snapped away. Stone walls surged into view, and relief hit me hard, only to be replaced by adrenaline as my stomach lurched. I was falling. Right. Karma had literally dropped me here. In everything that followed, I'd completely forgotten that part.