Mitzie squinted as her eyes slowly opened. Her head was rested against the back of the seat, and she groaned as she cautiously reached her hand to rub the back of her neck. She quickly assessed the environment feeling anxiety creep through her like torrid tendrils. They were surrounded by towering trees that amply obstructed the sunlight above them. Realization struck her that they had crashed through the guardrail on the highway, and although she was unable to tell where they were or how they’d landed, the vehicle didn’t appear to be damaged. She jolted forward with widened eyes as she shot her head in the direction of the driver’s seat. “Alford! Alford!” she shouted in fear as she hastily unfastened her seatbelt while reaching with her free hand to shake his shoulder. Alford’s head was leaned against the driver’s side window with his eyes closed, but he didn’t appear to be bleeding or injured, and his body slightly jostled as he gave out a small grunt in response to her nudging.

“There’s much to this story to tell, and I will not have time to tell you all of it before we reach our destination…” “Start at the beginning and you can tell me the rest once we’re out of the chambers.” Alford sighed and scrubbed his hand over his face. “Back in your great-great-great grandfather’s rule, there was no galactic peace. Each of the kings wanted full intergalactic control, and to be considered the supreme ruler. The galaxies fought amongst each other for that control, but none of them had the power nor forces to acquire the great feat. This battle went on for many millennia, and bled into your great-great-grandfather, King Dominic’s, rule. One night, he had a visit from the goddess Aliyah. No other king in history could ever brag about a visit from the greatest celestial being. He asked her for the power to conquer the other galaxies to become the supreme king. She refused to grant him that request, but did give him a promise. She told him that the only way supreme powe

Mitzie let out a content groan and smiled as she rubbed her stomach. She then realized that she was no longer in the car and instantly shot up to take in her surroundings. It took her a moment to realize that she was at home in their bed, but Alford was not around. “Alford?” she called in a semi-loud voice. When there was no response, she listened to see if she could hear the shower running. There was complete silence, and a glance towards the floor-to-ceiling windows let her know that it was nighttime. “Alford?” she called again turning her legs to get out of the bed. She supported her stomach with one hand as she used the other to push herself up. It was at that moment she realized that she was sporting a much larger bump than she had previously. “Oh damn! Is this another vision or dream or whatever the hell I’ve been having?” she asked herself. She quickly looked around for her cell phone which she found on the nightstand beside her. While still cupping her stomach, she unlocked

“With all due respect, Commandant, I don’t know how you ever did it,” Stanley said in a hushed voice opening his eyes to look at Alford. “That was many centuries ago, Elshazar,” Alford responded turning his head to where he could see Stanley. “I was young and stupid. On the goddess, though, I don’t know how I did it either,” he chuckled making a mock gagging noise. Both men chuckled at the conversation as they lay on the cold, hard concrete. “I can’t seem to reach Preticus through the link, can you contact Malshavez?” he asked attempting to slide his body around to fully face Stanley. “No, I was trying to reach her, and it’s like an impenetrable mind block that won’t let me connect,” he replied trying to roll on his other side. “There must be a spell on the building that’s prohibiting our connection,” Alford groaned as he pushed himself against the wall. “I heard Luceron tell Claris that Japheth has entered the Milky Way. We need to figure out how to get out of here.” Alford stra

Mitzie stayed rooted to her spot as she turned her head, feigning interest in the scenery. It was quiet, with the exception of rodents and ground creatures scurrying about in the dirt and little grass patches that were spread out amongst the terrain. “Hm,” was all she could think to say while she maintained a hold on her bump. “I know that’s not news you’d want to hear, but knowing my sister, she will for sure try to distract you and throw that information your way. At least you’ll be prepared,” Emma shrugged. “Prepared, I would never be to hear something like that. When was this?” Mitzie questioned with arched brows now looking at Emma. Marilee continued studying the ground as if she were uncomfortable being privy to this conversation. “Oh, it was several hundred years ago, your grace. Back when the General and the Commandant rescued us. It was short lived, however. Claris’ will was stronger than her feelings for the Commandant. She’d told him of her plans to retry father’s faile