Chapter 209 Welcome Home

Chapter 209 Welcome Home
The words echoed through the First World.

WELCOME HOME, BRIDGE.

Harper’s fingers tightened around mine. She stared at the floating cities above us. “Home?” Seraphina nodded slowly. “This is where your bloodline began.”

Harper shook her head. “I’ve never been here.” “Your ancestors were.” She looked around. “Then why does it feel like I’ve been here before?” Kael stepped forward. “Because the Gate recognizes you.” Before anyone could respond, the ground beneath us began glowing.

A golden path appeared. It stretched toward the largest city in the distance. Seraphina pointed. “We need to follow it.” “Why?” “Because whoever called us here is waiting.” I looked at Harper. “Stay close.” She nodded. We followed the path.

The city became clearer as we approached. It was enormous. Buildings floated above the ground. Bridges of light connected them. People watched us from balconies and streets. But nobody spoke.

They simply stared at Harper. She became uncomfortable. “Why is everyone looking at me?” Seraphina answered quietly. “Because they know what you are.” “I’m just Harper.” “To them, you’re more than that.”

Harper stopped walking. “I don’t want to be more than that.” I turned toward her. “You don’t have to be.” She looked at me. “What if they expect me to become someone else?” “Then disappoint them.”

She laughed softly. “You’re really good at saying the right thing.” “I’m learning.” We continued. Eventually, we reached a massive building. Its doors opened before we touched them.

Inside was a large circular chamber. At the center stood an elderly man. He wore a long silver robe. His eyes were bright gold. Seraphina bowed. “Keeper.” The man looked at Harper. Then at me. “The Bridge has returned.”

Harper crossed her arms. “Stop calling me that.” The Keeper smiled. “You sound like your mother.” Harper froze. “You knew my mother?” “I knew her well.” “Then tell me what happened to her.”

The Keeper’s expression softened. “She chose Earth.” Harper’s voice shook. “Why?” “Because she wanted you to have a normal life.” I swallowed. “Is she alive?”

The Keeper looked at Harper. “No.” Harper’s face fell. She closed her eyes. I immediately moved beside her. The Keeper continued. “She died protecting the location of the Bridge.”

Harper wiped away a tear. “My father said she was sick.” “He lied.” Harper’s jaw tightened. “Everyone lied to me.” “He was trying to protect you.” “That’s what everyone says.”

The Keeper nodded. “I understand your anger.” “You don’t.” He looked at her. “I lost an entire world.” Silence. “My people believed the Gate would save us.” His voice became bitter.

“Instead, it brought the Collectors.” Seraphina looked away. “The Collectors destroyed the First World?” “Almost.” The Keeper pointed toward the city. “What remains is all we have.”

I looked around. “So why bring Harper here?” “Because the Collectors have discovered the truth.” “What truth?” The Keeper looked at Harper. “The Bridge is not only capable of connecting worlds.”

He paused. “It can close the network permanently.” Harper’s eyes widened. “Close it?” “Yes.” Kael stepped forward. “Then why hasn’t anyone done it?” “Because the process requires a sacrifice.”

Harper immediately shook her head. “No.” The Keeper looked at her. “You misunderstand.” “Someone always has to sacrifice themselves.” “Not this time.” He pointed toward me. “The Bridge needs an anchor.”

I stared at him. “Me?” Harper turned toward me. “No.” The Keeper nodded. “The Golden Frequency is the only one capable of stabilizing her connection.”

I looked at Harper. “Then I’ll do it.” “No.” She grabbed my arm. “Liam, no.” “If it saves everyone—” “No.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I’m not losing you.” I stepped closer. “I’m not asking you to lose me.”

“That’s exactly what you’re doing.” The Keeper raised his hand. “There is another option.” Everyone turned. “What?” “The network can be closed without an anchor.”

Kael stepped forward. “How?” “By destroying the First Gate.” Seraphina’s expression changed. “That would destroy every remaining connection.” “Yes.” “And all the worlds?” “Would become isolated.”

Harper looked at me. “Then Earth would be safe.” “Yes.” “But what happens to this world?” The Keeper looked around. “We survive.”

I frowned. “Then why hasn’t it been done?” “Because the First Gate cannot be destroyed from here.” He looked at Harper. “It must be destroyed from Earth.”

Harper understood. “Through me.” “Yes.” I shook my head. “No.” The Keeper continued. “You would have to return to Earth and use your connection to collapse the Gate.” “Would she survive?” Silence.

Harper looked at him. “Would I?” The Keeper finally answered. “I don’t know.” I stepped forward. “Then we’re not doing it.” Harper looked at me. “Liam.” “No.”

“I can’t let you sacrifice yourself either.” “I wouldn’t.” “Then what do we do?” I looked at the Keeper. “There has to be another way.” He studied me. Then smiled. “Perhaps there is.”

A sudden explosion shook the building. Everyone turned. Seraphina ran to the window. “The Collectors.” The sky above the First World filled with ships. The Keeper looked toward Harper. “They’ve arrived.”

Harper stepped forward. “Then let’s finish this.” I stared at her. “What are you thinking?” She looked at me. “We don’t destroy the Gate.” “Then what?” “We take control of it.” Kael’s eyes widened. “That’s impossible.” Harper smiled. “So was everything we’ve done so far.”

The doors exploded inward. A group of armored soldiers entered. Behind them walked a man wearing a black crown. The Keeper stepped backward. “No.”

The man smiled. “Hello, old friend.” Harper stared at him. “Who is that?” The Keeper’s face was filled with fear. “The Collector King.” The man looked directly at Harper. Then he smiled. “At last.”

He raised his hand. “Bring me the Bridge.” I stepped in front of Harper. The Collector King laughed. “Protect her if you want.” His eyes glowed red. “But you should know something, Liam Carter.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What?” He smiled. “I know exactly how to separate the two of you.”