Through the Portal

By Mia Mittag

Ruby Ravenfield's world is turned upside down when a revelation from a half-brother she had never met introduces her to a different dimension full of magical people.

Before she can fully understand what is happening, someone important to her disappears. She must undertake a secret, dangerous journey to find them and uncover a buried truth that may rock the very foundation of this new world, before it's too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798350930665

Book preview

Chapter One

I stared at him, struggling to make sense of his words. He couldn’t be my half-brother, could he? Surely I would know if I had any siblings, would have learned about them when I was growing up. But here this man was, in the middle of my bakery, claiming that we were related. I pulled off my apron and called back to Felicity that I was going to take a short break and would be back in a moment.

Turning back to the man in front of me, I examined him, searching for any similarities between us. His skin was ghostly pale under the lighting. He was tall, much taller than I was, maybe 6’ 3", and I guessed him to be about thirty. His black hair was cut short at his ears, and was a little longer where it was parted away from his strikingly blue eyes. When he spoke, it was with a low, gentle voice.

I beckoned him to follow me outside, and brought him onto a slightly less busy side-street that was on the opposite side of Ravenfield Baked Goods, the shop I owned. From there I would be close enough to Felicity in case she needed anything, but would be away from any prying eyes and wouldn’t disrupt the customers.

What do you want? I snapped at him when we were safely tucked away. I had maneuvered us so that I was the closest to the main street in case I needed to make a speedy exit, but could still see Ravenfield out of the corner of my eye.

My supposed brother grinned at me. What, no ‘I’m happy to finally meet you’? This family really isn’t very welcoming. His face slowly turned more serious. I need your help.

Oh, so for all twenty-four years of my life you don’t show up once, and now suddenly you’re here, asking me to help you. Well, if it’s money you need, let me warn you, I don’t have any! I turned to walk away, knowing that I had never had a brother and never would. If I had, I would have been told. While my mother and father weren’t always the most forthcoming, they wouldn’t have kept something this big from me. They wouldn’t have been able to keep it from me, since as a child I had gone through their rooms and anywhere else I could think of to try to find out more about our family.

There was a noise behind me, and I heard the clatter of pebbles as he caught up to me. He laid a hand on my shoulder as he said, Please, just hear me out.

I reacted instantly, my instincts taking over. I had him over my hip and flying into a wall before he even knew what was happening to him. I had made quite a name for myself a year back when I was jumped in the street by two guys, and they discovered firsthand that I had been taking self defense classes since I was three.

I was ready to throw some follow-up kicks so that he would stay down long enough for me to get away when I froze with shock. He had never hit the wall. Instead, he was levitating a few feet off the ground and had a shield of purple fire surrounding him.

Hey! he called. I was trying to be friendly! You didn’t have to attack! I promise I’m not going to do anything. He slowly lowered himself to the floor, but didn’t drop his shield.

Breathing heavily, I looked around, wondering if anyone else was seeing what I was. However, the street seemed to have cleared in the short time we’d been standing here. I’d need to go to the main road if I wanted to ask someone other than him if I was seeing things. With nowhere else to look, I stared at him. W-what…? H-how…? I stuttered, forgetting all my questions as soon as I thought of them. After a moment, I managed, Who are you?

The man in front of me ran a hand through his hair. Sighing, he responded, It’s complicated. But I guess you can already see that. When I still looked at him questioningly, he continued, Well, for starters, my name is Zovior.

I raised an eyebrow. You said that when you walked in. And you’re sure you’re my brother?

Zovior nodded. Cooper Hawkes is my mother, though I guess her last name is Ravenfield now? At my nod he continued, I don’t know who my father is. He is said to have disappeared before I was born, and many say he is probably dead, but I don’t think so. No one ever found his body, and rumor has it he was a master of illusion and deception, so he could easily still be out there. There was a far-off look in Zovior’s eyes, as if he was lost in thought. Then he glanced at me again as if he’d forgotten I was there. But that’s not exactly relevant right now.

How do I know you’re not lying? I asked. I wasn’t sure if I could trust Zovior, and I still didn’t know what to think of the shimmering purple shield that he had now thankfully lowered.

How do you want me to prove that I’m telling the truth? He asked, staring into my eyes with a rather sincere expression. Ruby, what do you want me to do so you’ll believe me?

I half jumped. How do you know my name? I asked cautiously, trying to remember if he’d used it before.

"I told you, I’m your brother—or half-brother, I should say. I would know my own sister’s name! Anyway, all the Ukeuzi know who you are. We’ve been waiting for you for years.

I felt faint, and sat down on the pavement before I could fall. "Years! But—why me? Who are the Ukeuzi? What’s going on? Who are you? Why can you do that?" I questioned, indicating the soothing, light blue glow that had started to creep across his hands like a glove.

Whoa, are you okay? Zovior asked, concern darkening his blue eyes.

Do I look okay? I snapped, feeling nauseous and dizzy. I put my head between my knees as I tried to calm down.

Suddenly, a cool, calming stream ran through my arm, slowly trickling into the rest of my body. I stayed in position until I was sure that I’d calmed down, then slowly looked up. Zovior was kneeling in front of me, touching my hand with his blue-coated fingers. The soft light was moving from his hands into me, helping me to think straight and soothing my aching head and stomach.

Thank you, I croaked, transfixed by the light thrown off by the blue fire.

Zovior rocked back on his heels. You’re welcome, he responded, his cheery voice a sharp contrast with the creases of worry on his face. What happened?

I don’t always react well to stress, I whispered, hoping he wouldn’t ask me to explain what exactly I meant by that. I didn’t really want to tell a perfect stranger—even if they were my brother, of which I still wasn’t convinced—about my anxiety.

After a moment’s hesitation, I prompted, You were saying? About Ukeuzi and waiting?

He grinned a little. Well, the Ukeuzi are a species of people similar to humans who live in another dimension called Etaz and—

I cut him off. Another dimension? I gasped. I instinctively felt that this was a lie, but then again, how else did you explain the weird shimmering—it could only be called magic—that he had produced.

Like I was saying, the Ukeuzi live in Etaz. Zovior held up a hand to stop me from speaking when I opened my mouth to ask another question. Yes, I’m a Ukeuzi, he said, already guessing what I’d been about to inquire. You still haven’t answered my question pertaining to what I can do to prove that I’m really your brother, he reminded me.

Couldn’t… we just ask my mother? I suggested hesitantly, recoiling at the idea of speaking to her after so many years. She could either confirm or deny your statement.

Zovior sighed. Do we have to? She’s not my favorite person.

Shaking my head, I started walking out of our little side-street and back toward my shop. Do you think I want to go see her? We haven’t been on speaking terms since I was a teenager. But I need someone to confirm this before I’ll trust you. Besides, you didn’t have to live with her for most of your life. Or, well, did you? I guess you must have at some point, but I don’t remember you.

Rubbing his temples as if he had a headache, Zovior responded, "I lived with her until I was about five. Then she met your father, Caleb, and left for Apapala—the human dimension. I went to live with an aunt. But I still remember Cooper vividly, even though I was young. She was terrifying!"

Laughing, I told him, At least you didn’t live with her for as long as I did. Are you up for taking the subway, or do you Ukazi have other means of transportation?

Ukeuzi, Zovior corrected me automatically. And yes, I can do that. Portals wouldn’t take us there properly, anyways, and might not be safe for you.

"You guys have portals? I asked, feeling my curiosity kick in again. When he didn’t react, I added, Just a second, I need to go tell Felicity what’s going on. Or, as much as I understand of this, anyway."

I’ll come with you, Zovior volunteered. It would be nice to see her again.

See her again? You mean you know her? How? I asked as I opened the door.

Before he could answer, Felicity came up to us. Enthusiastically, she hugged Zovior. Is something wrong? she finally questioned, pulling back so that she could study him. She was forced to tip her head back, as her mere five feet of height made it difficult to meet his gaze.

We’re going to Cooper’s house so that she can assure Ruby that I am indeed her brother and she finally trusts me. Zovior took one of Felicity’s warm brown hands in both of his slightly lighter ones, looking at her hopefully. Can’t you convince her that I’m being truthful?

Laughing, Felicity looked into my confused face. He really is your brother. There’s no need to go ask Cooper, she told me. Holding up a finger as I tried to speak, she continued, And yes, I am a Ukeuzi. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I wasn’t allowed to. They told me it would be safer this way.

Shocked, I whispered, So you’ve been spying on me? Did you just pretend to be my friend, too?

"No! Of course not, Ruby! Yes, I was sent by the Ukeuzi to make sure that you would be safe, but I made my own decisions from then on! I chose to be your friend! That wasn’t an act! Do you believe me?" Felicity looked worried.

Sighing, I saw that she meant what she said. I could always tell when Felicity was lying, and she really did look sorry. Okay. Yes, I guess I do. Any more secrets? Do I have a long lost cousin or something?

We do have an aunt that went missing as a child, Zovior offered.

Before I could react to that, Felicity turned to me, taking my hand. No, no more secrets. I’m really sorry, Ruby. There was a definite warmth in her voice as she responded, and she sounded relieved. "Now, are you really going to drag Zovior in front of your mother? You don’t even like her, and you have had plenty of time to get used to her. Not to mention she didn’t abandon you at five years old."

You’ll vouch for him? I checked.

I’ll vouch for him.

Ok, I consented reluctantly.

Thank you! Zovior called out, looking up at the ceiling and letting out a relieved sigh, making me jump. I’d forgotten he was listening. So, can we get to why I came?

I nodded, already trying to work out some possibilities.

Felicity looked questioningly at Zovior. You avoided my question earlier when I asked. Is something wrong? Felicity’s usually gentle voice had gone hard, and she had that look in her eye that said he better not keep anything from her.

Zovior ran a hand through his hair again. It may be easier to just show you. I don’t think I can really explain it, or at least not in a way that Ruby can understand. He nodded to where I was standing, arms crossed, glaring at him.

I can understand plenty, thank you very much, I snapped. Just because you are from some other dimension doesn’t mean you’re so much better or smarter than me! I graduated top of my class, for your information!

Zovior grinned, only serving to infuriate me more. I would never underestimate you, he said innocently. I just don’t think you could understand the true extent of the problem, or would believe me, if I didn’t show you.

Frowning, I challenged, So are we going to Etaz, then? How do we get there? Through the portals? I thought you said they weren’t safe for me.

Nothing escapes your notice, does it? Zovior ran a hand through his hair. I was beginning to think that it was a sign he was nervous.

No, it doesn’t, and if you don’t tell her how it works, she may explode, Felicity informed him. Could you leave off your teasing so we can actually get to the real problem, please?

Turning back to me, Zovior began to explain. Since you have never gone through a portal, you aren’t accustomed to it. You could fall into a coma. The portals are hard on the body as well as the mind the first few times a person goes through them, and usually you subconsciously struggle against getting sucked along with it, which could lead to part of you getting left behind. You get used to it and are fine alone after about your tenth time, but before that there is a serious risk. Holding up a hand to stop my protesting, he continued, Unless, of course, you have a Ukeuzi to help you along a little, keeping you calm and making sure that you don’t separate, or as we call it, warp.

Now I did interrupt him. But aren’t you a Ukeuzi? Why did you say that it would be too dangerous for me to go if you could have just helped me?

I was getting to that. You see, what I was about to explain was that it takes a specialization and certain, intense training for just one Ukeuzi to be able to properly protect those portal hopping their first few times, especially if they’re human. But, with Felicity, we could do it together since we could combine our powers to ensure your safety. Now, it isn’t completely risk-free for you, since we don’t actually know how you will react to this. We haven’t had anyone who was half human, half Ukeuzi in centuries, so we’re not entirely sure if any complications could arise because of your origin. But we would be taking every precaution we could. You’d just have to trust us.

I nodded, dumbfounded. I wasn’t sure if I should be more surprised that I was currently the only known person who was half human, half Ukeuzi, or that there had been others centuries before. What I did know, though, was that Felicity would do everything in her power to keep me safe, and even though I had just met him, I felt sure that the same could be said for Zovior.

Finally, I simply asked, Where are the portals? Do we have to go somewhere to get to them, or can you make them appear wherever you are?

We have to go to them. There’s actually one in the alley near the street you dragged Zovior onto. Felicity turned to Zovior. I’m not sure I can go, though. What about the shop?

It’ll be okay, I told Felicity. It’s slow right now, anyway. We can just keep it open a little longer tonight to make up for it. Unless… when will we get back? Now I was worried, too. Losing a few hours of business wasn’t terrible, but losing almost a whole day did not sound good. We had opened not that long ago and needed to bring in a good profit every day, otherwise we could go bankrupt fast.

Zovior broke in. Is a couple hours okay? It may take a moment to explain everything.

That sounds okay, Felicity said. And if need be, I can always hop back while you’re still explaining things to Ruby and reopen the store. You would just have to get Ishan to help you take her back.

Hop back? I questioned, feeling ignorant.

Portal hopping. It’s what we call it when you travel through a portal.

Oh, I said, as if this was obvious. Why did everything have to be so confusing today? And if what had happened so far was any indication, it was about to get a whole lot worse.

Chapter Two

This is the portal? I asked five minutes later as we stood inside a cramped little room, staring at the swirling, twirling mass of color that was set in the wall across from us.

To get here we had to go back into the side-street I had talked to Zovior on and into a little alley that branched off of it, where I was told to wait while Zovior and Felicity ran their fingers over the length of one of the buildings. Finally, they found a many-armed spiral slightly reminiscent of a galaxy that was etched into the stone and covered with moss. It appeared to be a marker of some sort, because we had to walk into the wall at exactly that spot to get to the portal, moving through the stone into a pocket of air that felt like it was just a room suspended in space. It had taken a certain amount of coaxing on Felicity’s part to get me to walk into the stone, and the first time I tried, I just banged hard against the building, not passing through the way Zovior and Felicity had.

Laughing, Zovior had helped me up from the ground. You have to really think about how you want to get to the portal and use it to be able to walk in.

Felicity gave me a guilty look as she explained, It was designed so no human could accidentally stumble upon it. The portal itself has been here as long as anyone can remember, and wasn’t made by us, but we added this safety feature after several humans got lost in between dimensions, stuck in the portal. It sometimes took decades for a Ukeuzi to cross paths with them while traveling via the portal and manage to free them. So you have to want to go through and use the portal to be able to access it. It has just been such a reflex for me that I forgot about it until now. Just think really hard about the portal and try walking in again.

I rubbed my head as I thought of this, feeling the bump where I had hit the wall a second time before finally managing to get to the portal. And apparently that wasn’t even the worst part. As I looked at the spiraling mass in front of me, I felt sick. This seemed like it could be just about the most terrible decision I ever made.

All right, so the way this works is that you call out the place you want to go to before stepping into the portal. It will then bring you to that destination. Do not ever, under any circumstances, step in before you name your desired location. The portal would just let you float between dimensions, and you couldn’t get out. You’d have to be rescued, but it is hard to find someone once they are swept away by the portal. There are still people who are floating around in there, yet to be found and released. Every couple of years or so we find one of them and have to rehabilitate them. However, if that does happen to you, do not under any circumstances panic. That could cause you to warp, and no one could help you since we wouldn’t be able to find you. I shivered a little. "It does seem that the portal preserves how you were when you entered it, so if you do get swept away, you won’t get dehydrated or starve, but it has been known that being in portals too long can make you go insane. Just continuously swirling past galaxies and seeing glimpses of different worlds without being able to ever enter them will do that to a person. So, have I made myself clear? Always make sure that you state your destination before trying to enter the portal." Zovior spoke solemnly, and his demeanor suggested that he had witnessed something like this happening before.

I gulped, nodding. If before this explanation I hadn’t wanted to go into the swirling light in front of me, I really didn’t now. But I had to, if I wanted to see this other dimension. What do I say? I croaked nervously.

"Xanoyx," Felicity replied, her voice sounding weirdly thick and accented as she said it.

Toronto? I asked, confused. But aren’t we here already?

"No, not Toronto, Xanoyx. They sound almost the same, but are spelled differently. Xanoyx is Toronto in our old language. It is located in the same spot of the universe as it, but in Etaz. You have to be careful that you pronounce it with the accent, or the portal would either just take you back here, or get confused and you could get lost in it. Maybe you should practice first," Zovior explained.

So I say Toronto, but with an accent? And you said it’s spelled differently?

It’s spelled X-A-N-O-Y-X. Zovior laughed at the look of confusion on my face.

How do you get Toronto from X-A-N-O-Y-X? I asked, now thoroughly bewildered.

"Not Toronto, Xanoyx, Felicity said, also laughing. You have to add the accent. Try it."

"Xanoyx," I tried, scrunching up my face in concentration.

"No, Ruby, Xanoyx. You sound like you’re doing a bad imitation of a British accent," Felicity informed me.

"Xanoyx," I attempted again.

Better.

"Xanoyx."

Almost. Try sounding more certain of it.

"Xanoyx!"

Yes! Felicity exclaimed, pointing at me. Exactly!

"Xanoyx?" I checked again.

You’ve got it. Can we go now, please? Ishan’s expecting us. Zovior sounded impatient.

Sorry, I apologized.

You’re fine, Felicity told me. She gestured at Zovior. Ishan can wait a little while for us to come. I assure you, he probably expects that it will take us a moment. Now, do you want to make sure Ruby is going to be as well prepared as she can possibly be, and as safe as we can make her, or not?

Of course I want that, Zovior muttered.

Good. Do you want to go ahead of her and I go behind, or the other way?

I’ll go ahead. I’ve done more portal hopping recently than you have, so this way I can soften the journey as much as possible for both of you, he decided.

"Okay, so I just yell out Xanoyx and step in?" I asked.

"Basically, but I will go first, and Felicity