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I remembered waking briefly during the night, to find my cup sitting on the windowsill, full of the same mixture Leo had made for me before.

I’d devoured the contents; anything to avoid reality.

But today, I couldn’t ignore my predicament any longer.

I needed to face everything I’d come to know.

In just two days, I’d gone from Dr. Mallory digging around my memories of Aaron to a new future, where nine Earths and alien creatures existed. On top of that, I was sore as hell. And worst of all, Niall was dead.

I wanted to cry; to punch the walls and grieve the loss of him. To stay in this bedroom forever and shrivel up into nothing. Into no one.

But what I needed to do was find a way back to the portal I’d come through.

I wanted to believe Leo was telling the truth about the portals only being open during a full moon, but what kind of person would I be if I didn’t confirm it myself? If I just sat here doing nothing, while my loved ones were hurting somewhere else? Hell, the portals could be open right now. I needed to get out of here and find out for myself.

My legs wobbled as I shifted my weight onto them, my head spinning from the motion of standing.

Feeling along my body, I took inventory of all the sore spots, feeling slightly heavier here on One, as if the weight of my body pulled me closer toward the floor.

A pile of clean clothes had been set out on the table for me: a black, long-sleeved shirt, like the one I was wearing, and a pair of black pants with thin leather padding covering the knees.

Stepping into the pants, I slid them up my thighs, surprised to find they fit perfectly.

I reached for the fresh shirt next, but hesitated, bringing the collar of Leo’s shirt I wore to brush against my nose, the soft fabric smelling of clean soap and a hint of sea salt, reminding me of the man who’d been wearing it before me.

Blushing, I discarded the new shirt, tucking in the one I was wearing instead, for no apparent reason other than wanting to be cocooned in the soothing scent of a stranger.

Whoever had set the clothes out had also left black boots and socks nearby on the floor for me, the black clothing a nice change from the camouflage I was used to.

After slipping on the socks and shoes, I opened the door as quietly as I could, the ancient wood groaning against my effort at stealth, so I could tackle the task at hand: finding the portal.

“Lady,” one of the guards said, bowing his head slightly to me. The second guard stared straight ahead.

Shit.

I had forgotten about the guards.

If I was going to find the portal, I needed to ditch them.

I smiled. “I’d like to wash up.” Then added, “Please.” Hoping manners would give off the illusion of obedience.

“Of course,” the guard said, expecting my request. “Follow me.”

He nodded to the other guard, who stayed behind, and led me down the hallway.

The corridor was made from the same slate stone as my room, and lined with multiple wooden doors. Perhaps a guest wing. Though I wasn’t positive, it was my first time inside a castle.

When the hallway ended, our only options were to go left or right. To the right, the corridor was lined with windows and ended in a stairwell. Whereas the left corridor we were now heading down ended in a door.

I made a mental note: I needed to go right if I was going to find the exit out of here.

The guard opened the final door, shifting his body so I could step past him into the room beyond.

I let out a sigh as warm air hit my face.

We’d reached the bathing chamber, and it felt glorious.

The guard spoke politely, “I’ll send for someone to bring you towels and escort you back to your room once you’ve finished.”