15. Kairos

15

KAIROS

I stand before the swirling vortex of energy, my arm wrapped protectively around Naia's waist. The ancient chamber hums with power, the air thick with anticipation. I can feel Naia's heart racing against my side, her breath quick and shallow.

"Ready, little one?" I murmur, glancing down at her.

She nods, her green eyes wide but determined. "As I'll ever be."

I turn my attention back to the portal, running through the inscription's instructions in my mind. With Naia's help, we begin the intricate process of opening the gateway.

"Channel your energy into the runes," I instruct, guiding her hands to the glowing symbols etched into the stone. "Let it flow naturally, don't force it."

Naia closes her eyes, her brow furrowing in concentration. I feel the surge of her magic intertwining with mine, raw and untamed but potent. The runes flare to life, pulsing in sync with our combined power.

"That's it," I growl approvingly, pride swelling in my chest. "You're doing beautifully."

The portal responds to our efforts, the swirling energy intensifying. Tendrils of light reach out, probing the air around us. I mutter an incantation, weaving a protective barrier around Naia and myself.

As the gateway stabilizes, I perform a final analysis, probing its structure with my magic. The energy signature feels solid, consistent with what I'd expect from a stable interdimensional passage.

I stand before the portal, my mind racing with the implications of what we're about to do. From outcast theorist to the brink of proving inter-realm travel possible - it's almost too much to comprehend.

"Fuck," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. "Never thought I'd actually be here."

My gaze drifts to Naia, her small form pressed against my side. My mate. The concept still feels foreign, yet undeniably right. How did a simple investigation lead to this?

I think back to the debates in Ti'lith, the condescending looks from my peers as I presented my theories. Their dismissive words echo in my mind:

"Impossible."

"Heretical."

"A waste of magical resources."

A smirk tugs at my lips. If only they could see me now.

The pull that led me here, the risks I took - it all seems trivial compared to what I've found. Not just the portal, but Naia. This fierce, stubborn human who's become essential to me in ways I never imagined possible.

I tighten my grip on her waist, feeling a possessive growl build in my chest. She's mine now, in every way that matters. And I'm hers, though I'm still coming to terms with that fact.

"You alright?" Naia asks, her voice pulling me from my thoughts.

I nod, meeting her concerned gaze. "Just... processing."

She smirks, a hint of her usual sass breaking through. "The great Kairos, at a loss for words? Never thought I'd see the day."

I chuckle, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. This is why I need her. She grounds me, challenges me, keeps me from getting lost in my own head.

"Watch it, little one," I growl playfully, nipping at her ear. "Or I'll remind you exactly how eloquent I can be."

Her shiver of anticipation sends a jolt of desire through me. Later, I promise myself. Once we're safely through the portal.

I turn my attention back to the swirling vortex before us. Everything I've worked for, everything I've dreamed of, is within reach. And now I have someone to share it with.

The realization hits me like a physical blow. I'm not alone anymore. Whatever we find on the other side of that portal, whatever challenges we face, we'll face them together.

"Ready?" I ask, meeting Naia's eyes once more.

She nods, her expression a mix of fear and excitement that I'm sure mirrors my own.

"Let's do this," she says, squeezing my hand.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. With Naia by my side, I feel invincible. Whatever lies beyond that portal, we'll face it head-on.

Together.

"It's ready," I announce, tightening my hold on Naia. "But we need to move quickly. I'm not sure how long it'll remain open."

Naia presses closer to me, her fingers digging into my side. "Where will it take us?"

I shake my head. "I can't say for certain. But wherever it leads, we'll face it together."

She looks up at me, a mix of fear and excitement in her eyes. "Promise?"

"I swear it," I growl, cupping her face with my free hand. "You're mine, Naia. My mate. Nothing in this realm or any other will change that."

I take a deep breath, my fingers intertwining with Naia's. With a final glance at each other, we step into the swirling vortex.

The moment we cross the threshold, reality warps around us. It's unlike any magical transportation I've ever experienced. Colors blur and stretch, forming impossible shapes that hurt my eyes to look at. The air feels thick, almost liquid, pressing against my skin from all directions.

I try to tighten my grip on Naia's hand, but to my horror, I can't feel her anymore. Panic surges through me as I realize we've been separated.

"Naia!" I try to shout, but no sound escapes my lips. The void swallows my words, leaving me in suffocating silence.

My body feels like it's being pulled apart and compressed simultaneously. Every cell screams in protest as the portal's energy courses through me. I attempt to summon my magic, to create a barrier or find Naia, but my powers are useless here.

The terror of losing her grips me, a cold dread settling in my chest. I need my mate. The thought of emerging on the other side without her is unbearable.

But there's nothing I can do. The portal's force is overwhelming, stripping away my control, my magic, my very sense of self. I'm forced to surrender to its will, helpless against the tide of interdimensional energy.

My consciousness starts to fade, the edges of my vision growing dark. The last coherent thought I have is of Naia, hoping desperately that she's safe, that we'll find each other on the other side.

Then, everything goes black.

The End