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suspect she kidnapped Willow to help gain entrance to your world, since Willow can easily move between parallel worlds with just a thought. Unfortunately, her ability only works in one direction. We usually travel together. She brings us over to your world, and I can bring us home.”
    “Cursed?” She swallowed nervously.
    “We believe so.”
    Lil didn’t like thinking that her world might be in danger. Just hours ago she had hoped this was all some weird dream. It didn’t appear as though she’d be waking up anytime soon. “What was your world like before the Scourge?” She'd only seen a small part of their land, driving through the forest, and what she saw she didn’t like.
    “Our technology had advanced beyond yours. There were scientists and sorcerers, both equally appreciated. However, they didn't work well together. Magic slowly began to overpower science. Our most talented scholars couldn't explain the supernatural. Eilith grew powerful, and when the Scourge happened, the intellectuals were the first ones she attacked. I suspect it was because they had attacked her professionally.”
    “Magic is a profession?” Lil was astounded.
    “Yes, but very few practice it as skillfully as Eilith.”
    “So, what happens now that your Willow is gone?” Was her world in danger? Was he trying not to worry her? It sounded bad.
    “Hopefully, nothing.” He cleared his throat. “Any other questions?”
    “Why does Willow seem just like me, and why is your Jamie different than my Jamey?”
    “Our worlds were once one. It's why some things are so alike, still connected. Other things have changed over time.”
    Jamie leaned forward in his seat toward Rawlie. “Do you think she can help us?”
    “Settle down, Jamie.” Rawlie sat down beside the boy, patting his back. “The two worlds can be seen as parallel worlds, though at times completely different, both born from the same seed. Eight years ago, our world was overpowered by Eilith when she unleashed Pandora's box. That was what brought about the Scourge.”
    “That's an old story.” Lil remembered the Greek myth of Pandora being given a box by the gods, which contained all the evils of mankind. She had been forbidden from opening it, but driven by curiosity, Pandora had unhinged the container and all the evil enclosed had escaped and spread across the earth. She had tried to close the box and stop the evil from spilling out, but by the time she shut the box, all that remained inside was hope.
    “Our worlds were already different. They have been for millennia,” Rawlie said. “Our waters are sacred. Not all the water, of course. Only a few select springs are filled with magical powers in the mountains.”
    “Is that why your Willow is different?”
    “Willow's lineage is what makes her special. I don't know where it originated. Her mother harbored abilities long before Eilith came into power.” Rawlie glanced toward the window, pushing past the curtains with a scowl. “We should go now. I'll explain the rest on the way.”
    Jamie stood. “Can I come with you?” he asked with bright eyes filled with hope.
    “Go where? What do you expect me to do? This world is nothing like my home! I may look like Willow, but I'm not your friend,” Lil said.
    Rawlie headed down the stairs with Jamie in tow.
    Lil threw her hands up in the air, frustrated they weren't listening to her. She dug into her pocket, found her phone, saw it had no service, and shoved it back inside her jeans. She left her book bag. She didn't need it here. Lil followed Rawlie and Jamie down the stairs. “Is anyone going to answer me?”
    Rawlie grabbed his keys. “Jamie, you need to stay here. It's not safe on the way to the sanctuary.” He hugged the ten-year-old boy. “Lock up and don't let anyone in the house.”
    Lil shook her head in dismay. “Why are we going to a sanctuary? Is that where Willow is?”
    “It's a place of protection from evil and soldiers are trained there, right?”