Chapter 46
Allisa and Eleanor strolled hand in hand through the dimly lit streets, enjoying each other’s company as they soaked up the last moments of their romantic date. The city seemed quiet, but their laughter echoed through the deserted streets.
“I’m so glad we came out tonight. I want us to go on more dates like this”, Eleanor said, gripping Allisa’s hand tightly.
Allisa turned to grin at her. “I would love that too. But you’ll soon have to go back to the city to work after your vacation period is over. I don’t know if you would even remember be anymore after you leave”.
“That’s not true and you know it. I have an apartment in the city and I was hoping we could live there together. There’s this really chic café there if you still want to work around coffee. And if you don’t want to, I can take care of both of us”.
Allisa smiled and looked away, not giving an answer.
As they meandered aimlessly, Eleanor spotted a vibrant, brightly lit building in the distance. A glimmer of recognition twinkled in her eyes. “Hey, Allisa, look over there! It’s a museum!” she exclaimed, tugging gently at her girlfriend’s arm.
Curiosity piqued, Allisa followed Eleanor’s gaze and nodded. “Oh, that’s interesting! Shall we check it out?” she suggested, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Eleanor nodded eagerly and led the way towards the museum. The doors swung open effortlessly, and they stepped into a cavernous space that seemed to hold countless secrets. However, the museum was eerily empty, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle.
Disappointed, Allisa’s face fell slightly. But just as they were about to leave, an elderly man with kind eyes appeared out of nowhere. He seemed to be the owner of the museum.
“Why, hello there, young ladies,” the old man greeted them warmly, his voice carrying a hint of wisdom. “I see you’re interested in the museum, even at this late hour. Well, since you’re here, would you like a private tour? I can show you around before I lock up for the night.”
Allisa and Eleanor exchanged surprised glances, grateful for his unexpected kindness. “Oh, thank you so much! We would be honored,” Allisa replied graciously, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
The old man proceeded to guide them through the museum, offering anecdotes and historical tidbits about the various exhibits they encountered. Allisa and Eleanor were enthralled by his captivating storytelling, feeling as if they were transported to different eras with each step they took.
Suddenly, as Allisa turned a corner within the maze-like museum, a strange sensation coursed through her. It was as though an invisible magnet was pulling her towards a particular door. Compelled by an inexplicable force, she hesitated and glanced back at Eleanor, who nodded encouragingly.
Opening the door cautiously, Allisa found herself in a small, dimly lit room. The air inside crackled with an ancient energy, sending shivers down her spine.
She took a brief look around the tiny room and found that it was empty except for a huge antique looking book with strange symbols written on it that was sat atop a small stool. Allisa found herself drawn even more to this book and by the name she came to her senses, she had the book held in her hand with her fingers caressing the cover and spine of the book.
Intrigued by the presence of the enormous, fragile book, Allisa’s heart raced with anticipation as she carefully supported the book with her other hand. The weight of the book felt significant in her hands, and she couldn’t help but marvel at its ancient texture. She opened the book and was surprised to find that the book was completely empty. She gently ran her fingers over the blank pages, a mixture of curiosity and confusion swirling within her.
As she continued to explore the book, flipping through its empty pages, a sense of unease washed over her. How could such a magnificent book hold no trace of written words or images? What was its purpose?
Lost in her thoughts, Allisa decided to leave the small, dimly lit room, still clutching the book tightly. As she stepped outside, she braced herself to reunite with Eleanor, but to her astonishment, she found herself standing in a completely unfamiliar place.
Gone were the city streets that she had been able to see outside the large museum windows. Even the museum was no where around to be found. Allisa now stood in the middle of a garden with beautiful flowers and grand ancient trees towering over her.
Confusion welled up within her. How had she ended up here? And where was Eleanor? She carefully scanned her surroundings, hoping to catch a glimpse big familiarity and she gasped loudly when she recognized were she was.
Looking up, she could see the huge palace of the man she had been told to love ever since she was a little girl, the palace see had spent her time baking and wandering around in wait and search of the king who was her betrothed. The palace that she was told would belong to her one day when she got a little older.
Hot tears welled up in her eyes. She was home. She was back home.
Dumbfounded, Allisa took in the breathtaking sight that lay before her. It all looked so vivid, so real. Feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation, she clutched the book closer to her chest. Surely, there was a connection between the book, the mystery room and the two world’s that she kept being tossed to and fro in.
How had she gotten back? Was this a book that could move people through portals? How could she even be sure that where she currently was was her home? What if she had just been brought her simply because it was a place she had been yearning to come back to? And if that was true, how did the book know where to take her?
Deciding it was best for her to find answers and torn between finding her parents and going back to Eleanor, Allisa wiped the tears from her eyes and began a slow and lonely walk to the palace. She had to find out why was going on as soon as possible and get back to Ellie before she found out that she was missing and begun looking for her.