Entangled

By Adeline Blue

In the third and most powerful book of The Entanglement Series, Ellie, Ty, Scotlyn and Trent are quickly losing their battle to save the mysterious woman...and Ellie! Each is fighting for their life in their own right. They discover who is behind the evil plot, but when they learn that he is unreachable and that his methods literally bend the laws of the universe, their success seems impossible!

Entangled takes you through every emotion into realms and possibilities never imagined! It is brilliantly structured, proving the title of the book to be perfectly fitting! Soul-wrenching and heart-warming, this beautiful masterpiece questions the very fabric of the universe that we have come to know through very real characters you will fall in love with!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adeline Blue
• Release date: Mar 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370088577

Adeline Blue

ADELINE BLUE discovered her talent for writing when she was about 10 years old, though for many years it was poetry and short stories and usually just an outlet for dealing with difficult things. Her greatest proclivity has always been for chasing shiny objects, which has led her though a variety of interests: juggling and magic, gymnastics, video production, acting, dance, sports, drawing, as well as an extensive list of projects and ventures...and all with very little coffee! But writing a book was always something she knew she would do one day.Adeline loves a fairy-tale romance and that happily-ever-after, but she also likes to explore the extremes and subtleties of human emotion through her characters. She is intrigued by sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal and quantum physics. Forever imagining stories and creating worlds in her mind, she finally found a way to sit still long enough to pen The Entanglement Series: Eidolon, Twice Be and Entangled.A life-long resident of New Jersey, Adeline is working on her next books, when she isn’t seeking out ice cream or falling down the rabbit hole of her imagination.

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Entangled

Book 3 of The Entanglement Series

By Adeline Blue

Copyright © 2017 by Adeline Blue

Distributed by Smashwords

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotation in a book review.

www.AdelineBlue.com

Cover photographs: woman on left, woman on right, used under license from shutterstock.com

Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

All of the characters, events, and organizations in this book are fictitious and are products of the author’s imagination. Any information contained in this book, whether based on fact or fiction, is not intended to be taken as factual nor as a teaching.

To my best friend, who loved writing; who infected and impassioned me to do much more of it and made me see it in a whole new light. I wish you were still here.

To the friend, whom I’ve known since day one of my life, who picked up inspiring me where the first friend left off; who has been there for me with words of support, wisdom and kindness. This book may not have happened this early in my life if not for you.

To the friend, who loved my book before she even read it; who, like my grandmother could, makes me believe in myself in ways I ordinarily don’t.

You touch hearts in ways that will change the world.

To the friend who never let us lose touch, who took my crap as a kid and still calls me friend as an adult. You shine so brightly; I don’t think you know how often you’ve lifted me out of the darkness.

And…to the child who wanted to be a writer someday…

Every one of you is sincerely appreciated for the magic you add to my life…and the life I see through your magic.

Your friend, always.

Table of Contents

1. Mira, Mira

2. Her world

3. Caution to the wind

4. MIA

5. Game changer

6. The turning pointe

7. Raw deal

8. One step forward

9. Between visits

10. Here but for his time

11. Crime after crime

12. Retrieval

13. Miner’s Park

14. Interlude

15. From bad to worse

16. And so it begins

17. Willpower

18. A little more background

19. The changing world around

20. That moment

21. The shift

22. For all she loves

23. While she was away

24. Upswing

25. Understanding

26. A whole new world

27. Of their own making

28. Freedom

About the author

Entanglement is one of the central principles of quantum physics. In short, quantum entanglement means that multiple particles are linked together in a way such that the measurement of one particle’s quantum state determines the possible quantum states of the other particles. This connection isn’t depending on the location of the particles in space. Even if you separate entangled particles by billions of miles, changing one particle will induce a change in the other.

MIRA, MIRA

~ 1~

The sunlight streamed in the window and enlivened every natural highlight in her auburn hair. He ran his fingers through the streams of light and through the softness of her locks, slowly, repeatedly. Ellie lay there on her back, her head resting on his leg, her eyes closed as she allowed the peacefulness of the moment and the company to pacify her into complete relaxation.

It was early and the stillness of the morning had not yet given way to the vitality of the summer day. The temperature was perfect and she lay there on the couch in shorts and a delicate tank top. Ryden’s hands held just the right amount of warmth, as they glided over her temple and around her ear, softly.

Her breathing was light, silent. She stirred, just barely, before momentarily opening her eyes to look up at him. Ryden, explain it to me? Ellie asked, sweetly, with the slightest hint of concern.

What, El? What part?

She let her head roll to the side to rest back upon his leg. Her eyes closed once again. What Trent said made a lot of sense. Most people aren’t warned by entities from the future of their less than ideal paths, despite them having the technology to do so. He thought that must mean my life is really headed somewhere horrible— too horrible for words even.

Ryden took a deep breath, looking upon her peaceful body warmly, not wanting to break the calm. "It isn’t that it’s so horrible, it’s that it’s so unprecedented. And it isn’t a warning just for your life; this affects an entire world…or, at least, a big chunk of it. I can’t say that frequency manipulation never happens, but it is extremely rare and when it does occur, it is always a minor infraction and within the individual’s own realm. As for having the technology to warn people, we don’t…or rather, we do, but we aren’t at the point where we are able to just up and visit people from other time frequencies. A few can probably do it —though I don’t know of any, personally— but most people in my time are just as undisciplined in their focus as people are now."

You are from then. You are my boyfriend in that time. Is it so horrible that she had to warn me?

The life I know with you is nothing you would need to be warned about.

My life with you, in our future time, isn’t tortured? Ellie quietly asked.

No. It’s perfect, Ryden assured.

Ellie opened her eyes again. She brought her hand up and lightly ran her fingers over his leg beside where her head rested.

So you don’t know what my life will be if I fail.

He stopped caressing her hair and took hold of her hand, the one she had resting across her stomach. I don’t, El. I can’t say as I’d want to have that knowing in my head. But I also don’t know that it’s there to have.

She turned her head to look up at him more directly. What do you mean?

I just mean that you haven’t taken that path yet. It hasn’t happened yet, so there may not be anything to know. The potential reality of it is there, but tapping into that is kind of what you’re trying to avoid, El.

I hadn’t thought of that, she said, wanting to rest her head back down but entering too deeply into thought to recover the peaceful state she had been enjoying. She lay there just a moment longer, looking up at the ceiling. So, if there is a future where I am already living with you, is there a version of me living every other possible future, too, including the horrible ones?

I don’t know, El. There are theories, not much more.

Ellie sat up and brought her legs under her as she turned to Ryden. "The first time I spoke to Arelyth, she said her world was in danger. Ryden, if I don’t succeed, will something bad happen to you?" She was looking deeply into his eyes, sincerely concerned.

I don’t know, El. I honestly don’t know. But we can’t worry about that and fix this at the same time. All of our focus has to be on the present.

You’re right. I know you’re right. It’s just that I was thinking something a few moments ago and it’s the first time I had the thought. If I don’t succeed, Arelyth will cease to have existed. It’s like the words finally took on their full meaning. I mean, she won’t just die. Then, at least, her soul would still exist and hopefully she would know of the life she led. But to cease to have ever existed…I can’t bear the thought of that happening to her, even though I barely know her. I can’t even think it.

Then don’t. Not now. I understand how you feel, but it only means that you need to be more focused than ever. Ryden brushed a length of hair off of her face and let his hand rest securely on the back of her neck. He leaned in closer and said, This is your life and no one can take it without your permission.

She stared into his eyes, taking in fully his words. She knew he was right, but she couldn’t resist just one more sentiment.

I have to save her, Ry. How could I live a happy life, even if I changed my path and saved myself, if her and her entire world cease to exist because of me? And it is because of me. I know that now. I know it’s why she came to me. Owen’s attack on me is what is affecting her world. It’s not just that I am the only one who can save it— I am literally the reason it is all happening in the first place. He literally went after my future and now everyone who lives in that time is at risk, including Arelyth. I still don’t understand how to save her and that world, I just know I have to.

His hand still on her neck, he pulled her to him and she rested her head on his shoulder. He hugged her supportively. Ryden was still careful about his pace. He was still new to Ellie, despite the fact that he had loved her for many years. That was a knowing she was yet to come to and he was careful to respect that process.

While she liked Ryden and appreciated his support, she had held the dream of John within her for a long time and it was not going to fall away overnight. The reality had only just begun to sting and there was sure to be a huge emptiness on its heels.

Her kiss with Ryden in the basement the day before was the first time she realized that she could feel something for someone other than John, but it was tainted by the feeling that she was betraying John, even though she had broken up with him. It was just too soon.

Ellie lifted her head from his shoulder, her legs tucked to the side, her straightened arm supporting her. She looked solemnly at nothing in particular. She was deep in thought, though her body was still in a hyper-relaxed state. It was as if she was in the eye of the storm. Everything in and around her was deceptively calm, but she knew the seriousness of what awaited her on the other side of this moment.

Do you want to go grab something to eat?

I have to go to work, she answered, expressionless.

All right. Where are you working today?

The dance gig. I was so lost in what was going on with John and Arelyth that I didn’t realize it was a series of commercials and not just one. I also didn’t realize that it is just a web commercial and not actually going to be aired on T.V. It doesn’t matter, work is work, but I was under the impression that I was almost finished shooting and instead I am under contract for the next two commercials.

Which one are they shooting today?

Today is the last day for the first one. I still haven’t figured out what I’m going to do if the shoot and the fair set-up job I got, overlap.

Focus on not getting hurt. Figure out the rest if it happens. Until then, there isn’t any point in worrying about it. I hate to say it, but you don’t have the luxury of worry right now.

I know, Ellie responded, sounding softly defeated. I need both if I’m going to make all the bills this month.

Ryden gave her a light shove. She looked up at him and then allowed a smile to warm her expression. I know, I know. I’m going to do well. I am going to feel great today! Everything is going be all right. I won’t let anything happen to my friends and family.

Ryden gave her an approving smile. He stood up to head out, so Ellie could get ready for work. I’m a call away, if you need me, he said.

I know. Thank you!

Just as Ryden’s truck pulled out of her driveway, she got a call. It was the people from the commercial. They needed to reshoot some scenes from the day before, so Ellie would not be needed. They would let her know when to be there next.

Ellie hung up, relieved to have the day off. As she moved into the kitchen, she found herself appreciating simple things, like the cool floor on her bare feet. It was too much to hope that this peacefulness would remain and keep her from ever having to enter the battle ahead, but that didn’t keep her from silently wishing it.

She decided to give Scotlyn a call.

Hey, El!

Hi, Scot. How are your arms?

They are healing really nicely, thanks to your oil. How are you feeling?

I’m in a really nice place. It’s like an Ellie trance, she laughed.

Sounds nice! How did that come about?

I don’t know. It was a nice, quiet morning and…Ryden might have been here.

Oooh, do tell!

There’s nothing to tell, she laughed, shyly. He’s just really nice and he has this way of making me feel safe. Ty has that same magic, actually, Ellie said, the sentiment having slipped out through her relaxed filter. She moved on quickly. Ryden knows of Arelyth’s time, so he has been able to give me some really helpful info…although Trent really nailed most of it, without knowing anything about Arelyth’s time. It’s pretty impressive, actually.

Yeah, I do love that guy!

How is he doing? Ellie asked, carefully.

Not well. It scares me, ya know? I’ve never seen him so hurt. It’s like he doesn’t feel like he deserves… Scotlyn paused, not sure of the right words.

To live? Ellie asked, hesitantly.

Maybe…or to be happy? I’m not sure. He just looks like he’s fighting for his life, Scotlyn said, upset by the thought.

It’s going to take time, Scot. He’s carrying a lot of guilt.

I know. I wish there was something I could do, but I know he has to do this on his own. It’s just painful to watch. I love him so much. Almost needing to change the subject, she asked Ellie, So what’s plan with Arelyth?

I’m trying to figure that out. I have to keep doing what Trent said, but I feel like I have to step up my game. I am happier and more relaxed, but I don’t think I’m anywhere near where I need to be.

What makes you say that?

Because it takes like two-seconds for me to feel bad. Even the briefest thought of John or Arelyth or Beth or of Owen hurting the people I love, and I feel all of those bad feelings again. I think I’m joking myself with this better mood…like being in quicksand up to your chin: your eyes can see blue skies and so, for a moment, you think everything is fine, but in reality, you are up to your chin in quicksand. It feels like that.

That’s a horrible analogy!

Sorry, it worked in my head.

No, I mean that it’s a horrible way to think of this. I don’t want this to be as dire as all that!

Neither do I, but I know that it is, Ellie said, trailing off near the end.

What is it? Scotlyn asked.

I just had a thought. Arelyth knows more than she has told me. Every time I speak to her I get bits and pieces. She said it has something to do with my ability to hear it. It does’t matter. If I can talk to her again, for longer this time, maybe I can get some real answers. Or maybe she can, at least, confirm if my hunches are correct.

Ok, but how do you plan to manage that? So far, we haven’t exactly been able to just summon her.

Yes, but do you remember when we were in that psychic place with Mira? She mentioned that she had another way…something I could take that would allow me to see her.

El, no. You have no way to know if it’s safe or what effect it might have on you. Ty would flip out.

I don’t think I have much of a choice, Scot.

I can’t change your mind on this one, can I?

Sorry. I’m going to head there now and talk to Mira. I’ll be careful, I promise.

Call me after you talk to her, OK?

I will. Bye, Scot.

Ellie was officially out of the blissfulness of her morning and ready to enter into the day. But she already missed the calm she knew she was walking out of. She got ready to head up to The Spirit Realm.

Tyler knocked on Scotlyn’s door. Scotlyn opened it up. Hey, come on in.

Tyler stepped inside and walked over to the fridge. Can I grab something cold? It is gearing up to be a hot one and I have already been working for five hours.

Uh, yeah, sure. Take whatever you want. Do you have to go back to the site?

Yeah, I do, in three hours.

Can I ask why you are killing yourself with work?

You can, but I’ll just tell you I’m not and that it’s all going fine. Tyler pulled a cold bottle of water out and twisted off the cap.

Something’s up. I’m going to find out, you know, she said, with a smirk.

He put his hand on top of her head and playfully shook her as he passed her. Oh, Scot, you don’t need another puzzle right now. Just trust your big brother.

Did you just come over to grab a water?

Partly. I also wanted to see how Trent was doing. How is he?

Like I told Ellie this morning, not well.

That’s understandable. I can’t say as I’ve been through what he’s going through, but I know what he’s dealing with is brutal. Scot, if he or you need anything—

Then you’ll spread yourself even thinner to be here for us?

Tyler stood up straighter and shot her a look. Yes…I will be. So, opinion aside, call me if you need, he insisted, as he turned toward the door. I’m going to run over to El’s real quick. There’s been a slight development, shall we say.

She might not be there, Scotlyn said, not meaning to give away what Ellie was about to do.

No problem, do you know where she is?

Scotlyn looked him straight in the eyes and gave the most honest answer she could, without worrying him or ratting out Ellie. She went to see Mira about an idea.

Mira? Oh, the flowery, psychic woman, right? Did she mention what the new idea was?

Scotlyn knew she wasn’t going to get out of this one. Her mind had been pre-occupied with Trent, so she wasn’t her normal sharp self. She also respected her brother too much to lie to him…and she was worried about Ellie.

She feels like she needs to talk to Arelyth and Mira had mentioned that there was another way, so she just went to ask her a—

NO! Has she lost her mind? Tyler went off, knowing exactly why Ellie was headed there. Bye, Scot. I’m getting Ellie.

Scotlyn chewed her lips and took a deep breath. It seemed like nothing was simple anymore.

Ellie spent the drive up trying to think of positive things. Occasionally, her mind would wander to Gretchen or to John or to her fear of taking Mira’s ‘potion’, but she would quickly realize it and redirect her thoughts back to better things.

As she pulled up to The Spirit Realm, she saw Tyler walking to her Jeep. He had gotten there minutes before her. Ellie knew he worried about her and she cherished the way he looked out for her, but she knew this was one situation where she was going to have to do what she felt was best for those she loved.

She got out, locked the door and stepped up onto the sidewalk in front of Tyler. They were both silent for a moment, as they each waded through their own internal conflicts. Ellie looked up at him, her eyes young and wide and pure. It made him want to protect her all the more, but he couldn’t be angry with her, ever. He let his head hang for a moment before looking back into her eyes. El, there’s got to be another way.

Maybe. But I am not willing to risk anything else happening to my friends while I take the time to find it. If this can get me in front of Arelyth, then I need to try it.

What if it hurts you?

Then this will all be over and you guys will be out of—

He put his hand over her mouth. Not an option.

Ty…I have to…

He let his eyes momentarily close in acquiescence, as he exhaled sharply. He took her shoulder, guiding her around him so she could enter the shop. You’re not doing this alone, he said, right behind her.

Tyler opened the door for Ellie. As she walked in, the strong scent of incense hit her in the face. It appeared as if the shop was even more cluttered than the last time. Neither of them thought that was even possible.

Hello, a cheerful voice rang out right before Mira appeared from behind a glittery drape. Oh, Ellie! And Ellie’s handsome suitor! I am so happy to see you both! Have you made any progress with your spirit friend? How can I be of assistance today?

Mira rattled all of that off so quickly that Ellie just glossed over everything except the last sentence.

I was hoping you could tell me more about that other option you said you had that would help me to see Arel…my spirit friend…again?

Mira swooped in, circling behind Ellie and leading her by the shoulders further into the shop. She quickly swooped back out in front and guided Ellie and Tyler to a room behind a curtain. It was a different room than Ellie had gone into for her psychic reading and it made her wonder just how many tiny rooms the little shop had tucked away behind shiny curtains.

Mira lifted heavy black cloths off of trays of tiny little bottles. Some contained liquid and some contained what looked like herbs. The colors were spectacular. Some of them even appeared to glow.

Mira fluttered from display case to display case, gathering a tiny bottle from each of four separate areas and bringing them back to a table in the center of the room. Please, sit, she said.

As Ellie and Tyler took a seat, Mira placed each of the bottles on the table. She then placed a fifth one, which was empty, in the center of them. As if in a dance, she added some of the contents of each of the bottles to the empty one, swaying to and fro, whirling her wrists between placing down one bottle and picking up another. Once she had added some of each to the center bottle, she placed a cap on it and set it back down. Holding her hands over it, she closed her eyes and appeared to be reciting something to herself. Ellie could have sworn that a breeze blew through the room, causing each of the candles to flicker, just as Mira finished.

Take it, Mira instructed Ellie. You are the only one that is to hold it from this point forward. You want it to be infused with your energy.

What is it? Tyler asked.

It is a powerful mixture that will open her mind and put her in the relaxed state she needs to be in to communicate with the woman.

But what are the ingredients? he pressed.

That, I am unable to say.

Not liking that answer, but knowing that Ellie was going to do this regardless, he altered his question to get to the point of his concern. Is there anything in there that could hurt Ellie?

Not a thing— but I cannot tell you what she will see or what her reaction to what she sees will be. It is not without possible consequences, Mira answered. Looking to Ellie, she added, I would advise you not be alone when you use it.

How do I use it? Ellie asked.

Simply remove the cap and drink. It will take anywhere from a few minutes to several minutes to take effect. You will become very relaxed and may begin to see things that you could not, ordinarily, see with your eyes.

Mira walked through the drape and back into the main shop, Ellie and Tyler following her. She swung around behind the counter and wrote up a receipt. Ellie looked at it. It simply said, Namaste. Ellie looked up at Mira, confused. Oh, I never charge for my potions, Mira said, and left it at that.

Tyler tightened his lips and nodded to himself, not liking what her gesture revealed. Ellie smiled and thanked her.

As they stepped out the door, Ellie stopped. I left my cell inside. I’ll be right back, she said, running back into the store.

Oh good, Mira said, seeing Ellie. I was just about to go get you. I forgot to tell you: only use half. I made you enough for two tries. Make sure there are at least six hours between uses…and even that is a bit close. An overlapping of doses could be quite powerful and not necessarily in a good way.

Thank you, Mira, Ellie said, picking her phone up off the counter.

I didn’t see you had left your phone. Don’t you love serendipity? Mira asked, whirling off to another part of the store.

Ellie chuckled to herself and walked back outside.

Got it? Tyler asked.

Yeah, all good.

I assume you are going to try this now?

Yep. No time like the present.

All right, let’s go. We’ll stop at your place to drop off your Jeep. Who knows how long it will be until you are able to drive after taking that stuff.

Good point. Ellie followed him to her place, left her Jeep in the driveway and hopped into his truck. She put on her seat belt and sat back, ready to go.

Are you not the least bit concerned with what you are about to put into your body? he asked her.

Yes, I am, but if I think about it, knowing I am going to do it anyway, it will just be that much harder.

Maybe that feeling is telling you something.

Yeah, but it’s not as strong as the other feeling, she replied.

What other feeling?

Ellie looked at Tyler, her expression calm but her eyes serious and harboring a deep fear. "The feeling that if I don’t do this, there is something I am not going to know…something that I need to know…something that could mean the difference between succeeding and failing. She looked down at her lap and took a deep breath before adding, Or living and dying."

HER WORLD

~ 2 ~

Tyler pulled into the cemetery and parked his truck just outside the gate. Together, he and Ellie walked to the large oak tree where Isolde’s headstone sat.

Tell me why we are doing this in the cemetery? Tyler asked.

It’s just where I feel her the most. It’s the first place I saw her and when I think of seeing her again, I still think of here. I’m just trying to increase the odds.

All right, I gotcha. Does no one ever visit this place? I mean, it’s good for us to have it to ourselves, but it’s odd.

I have never seen anyone here, but I have seen things left at graves, so I know people must visit. It’s also a really old cemetery though. I don’t know if they even sell plots anymore. I’m guessing that a lot of the people in here are only survived by relatives who never even met them.

But there are others, like Trent’s dad. They should have family visiting from time to time.

True. Now you have me curious.

They arrived at the stone. Ellie stared down at it, gathering her courage. Tyler watched her. Are you sure you want to do this? he asked.

Yes, I am. I have to.

Ellie pulled out the little bottle and undid the cap. The contents were a swirl of colors. The liquid was thick and almost sparkled. It looked more like nail polish than something one would ingest. Ellie smelled it first, retracting and wrinkling her nose.

That good, huh? Tyler said.

Ellie looked at him, took a deep breath, brought the bottle to her bottom lip and gulped down half of it. She had kept her hand wrapped around the bottle so it could not be seen that she only drank half. She quickly put the cap back on and slid the tiny bottle into her pocket.

They waited. And waited. And waited.

Several minutes passed and nothing. The day seemed utterly normal as Ellie looked out across the cemetery. The sun was shining outside of the shaded oak they stood under. The birds chirped. White clouds floated in the blue sky. The church stood peacefully, as it had for more than two centuries. A few miles away, the square in Isolde’s Tyme was filled with the bustle of residents and tourists enjoying the summer’s abundance of options. Ellie didn’t have to be there to know that. Right here, though, it was quiet, peaceful, perfect, just the way Ellie liked it. It didn’t seem like anything was going to happen. And then it did.

Ellie stepped backward, off balance. Tyler immediately grabbed her to steady her. Why don’t you sit in the grass, he said, helping her to the ground.

She reached to the grass and crossed her legs under her as she settled there. The world before her eyes was blurred and jumpy. The grass around her felt like it was growing, the soil rising and falling in gentle waves beneath her. The oak bent severely in the light breeze, a breeze which Tyler could not feel. Each chirp of each bird sounded not like a singular sound, but like a thousand different reverberations coming together before scattering outward again.

Ellie swayed a bit, unsteady. Tyler was right beside her, his hand on her back, concerned about the unknown he was, once again, up against. He was alert to her every change. Ellie was not aware of him at all, nor of the church or the woods beyond the graveyard. Her world was much closer than that now. Then suddenly, it exploded into a blue that Ellie thought was the sky, but it opened up just as suddenly and through the parting mist she could see the town of Isolde’s Tyme— only it was not today.

Ellie stepped down the cobblestone street of a historic town…restored down to the last detail…but accentuated by things that were not of the past. She looked around as she walked slowly forward, step by step, in an abnormally slow stride, as if walking through something thicker than air, like water. A few strides took her past an ornate lamp post, complete with flickering flame. The power lines were missing and there was not a single car on the streets of the square. To look out over the town made you think you had walked into a picture-perfect postcard. The ways in which the details completed, the colors visually harmonized, and the placement of every item— every particle, seemingly— created an aesthetically masterful moment, which visually reverberated into the next and the next.

They were happy: the people, all of them, were happy. Not Stepford-happy but genuinely at peace. And Ellie could feel it too…the way the moments would linger, instead of speed by…the flow of the people, as they seemed to dance amongst each other, zigging and zagging in seemingly orchestrated paths that maintained that perfect flow as they perused the shops, ate, played and walked. There was almost a security in every breath that Ellie breathed. She had no other way to describe it.

She had never seen the square look so beautiful. Between the restoration and the healthy, flowering landscaping, it was breath-taking to behold. Stone paths meandered through side gardens, while stately main paths allowed residents to cross the square directly, while providing every bit as lovely a journey. The same flickering flames burned within the lamp posts that lined the main paths.

Ellie wondered where all of the cars were. She tried to ask someone, but she formed her words too slowly to be understood. There was a heaviness to her jaw, to her lips, to the very words she tried to speak. Only her thoughts were immediate.

Unable to communicate, Ellie continued to observe until she saw someone walk into a wide opening between two buildings— too wide to be called an alleyway, but small enough to still be discreet. As she muddled through the thick air toward them, she watched as they disappeared into the ground. It was not until she was finally within a few feet of the area and another person stepped into the space, that she could see that the concrete, or what had the appearance of concrete, lowered diagonally, while the platform remained straight, to a lower level. It was seemingly an escalator of large concrete slabs, except as each slab separated from the ground level at which it started, you could see how thin it was and how a visible transparency— almost a thickness of the air— hovered directly beneath it, making up the bottom of each slab.

Ellie took a chance and stepped onto one of the slabs, fearful that she could not do so quickly enough, but its motion adjusted to her needs. She rode it down to the lower level. She reached the bottom and refocused her eyes from the blur of the motion, due to her slow slight. Ellie’s jaw went lax and her eyes felt wide enough to float away. She had found the cars! But there was so much more than that! Ellie had found an entire other level of Isolde’s Tyme! It was a world under a world.

The cement slab landed flush with the sidewalk down there. She stepped off and took in the surroundings. This entire level was for parking, driving and utilities. There were tree lined sidewalks for the purpose of getting to your vehicle. There must have been parking under the entire town, so no matter where you wanted to go, you were never any further than directly underneath it. She wondered if the whole world was set up like this.

To the immediate left of the sidewalks were bike lanes and to the left of them were main roads. They weaved over and under like a basket allowing for sidewalks and bike lanes and main roads to cross without possibility of incident. Each was a different color.

The transportation structure was devoid of street signs, street lights, lanes, traffic lights and traffic signs. She also noticed that the cars had the same thick transparency underneath