Rin followed Cal through winding alleys, the cobblestone paths winding like veins through a city that was more dream than reality. The streets were narrow, and the buildings pressed in, their ancient stones seemingly alive, shifting slightly as though they, too, breathed. Lanterns hung above, casting a dim but steady glow, their flames flickering unnaturally—more like soft pulses of light than fire.
"So, uh… where are we exactly?" Rin asked, trying to keep up as Cal practically skipped along, his movements fast and fluid.
Cal glanced back, grinning. "Welcome to the Threshold! It's a weird in-between place. You're not in a Realm yet—you're standing between worlds, like being in a hallway where the doors don't exist. Not really here, not really there."
Rin narrowed his eyes, clearly confused. "That sounds… helpful."
Cal's laugh echoed through the narrow alley. "Hey, I never said I was gonna make sense. I'm just the guide." He gestured ahead, where the alley opened into a small courtyard. The buildings around them were a mix of old-world charm and something more ethereal—arches that bent in ways they shouldn't, and windows with no frames, as though they led to places other than this city. "But seriously, you're gonna want to understand what's going on before you go wandering around."
As they entered the courtyard, Rin noticed a few locals lingering—each of them casting furtive glances in their direction, eyes lingering on him for just a moment too long. He shifted uncomfortably under the attention. It was like they could see something about him that he couldn't understand.
"You notice how they stare at you?" Cal asked, hopping onto a low stone ledge and crossing his arms behind his head as he leaned back. "They can tell. You're one of the Tethered now."
Rin frowned, his hands instinctively reaching for the stone pendant hanging from his neck. "Tethered? What's that mean?"
Cal's grin widened. "You're rare, that's what it means. The Tethered are people like you—pulled into the Anchor Realms. You don't belong here. You're tied to a Realm now, and that bond changes you, whether you like it or not."
"So... I'm just some sort of freak now?" Rin asked, crossing his arms defensively.
Cal raised an eyebrow but didn't falter in his cheerfulness. "You're not a freak. You're just... different. And a lot of people don't like 'different.'" He tapped his chin, as though considering something. "But hey, that's why I'm here to help. So you don't get caught in the crossfire."
Rin turned his gaze to the people passing by, who seemed to be in a rush, their expressions a little too closed off, a little too guarded. It was like they were pretending not to notice them—pretending not to see him. But it was clear they knew. The way their eyes flickered to him and then away so quickly made it obvious.
"You see," Cal continued, his voice a little quieter now, "people here—they're all normal. Well, for the most part. No Realms, no powers. Just living. They don't know what it's like to be connected to something that isn't 'here.' They don't get that weight."
"Sounds lonely," Rin muttered.
"Lonely? Yeah, sometimes," Cal agreed with a nod. "But that's not the worst of it. They might not have powers, but you do. And that makes you dangerous." He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Not everyone likes the Tethered. The Faceless Order, for example—they've got a whole thing about 'keeping balance.' They think anyone with the power to shape reality should be kept in check."
"The Faceless Order? What are they, some kind of secret police?" Rin raised an eyebrow.
Cal let out a quiet laugh, but there was an edge to it. "Something like that. They're old, too. Real old. You don't need to worry about them just yet, but you will. Trust me." He paused, as if weighing his next words. "Some of them will want to use you. Others will want to eliminate you. Either way, you're a threat to them. And not all of the Tethered end up in good places."
Rin glanced around, feeling the tension start to creep into his own chest. "So, I'm just a pawn in some bigger game?"
"Not just a pawn," Cal said, his tone lightening again. "I'm sure you'll find your own way, if you survive long enough." He grinned, showing no hint of malice, just the sort of careless confidence that seemed to bubble up from nowhere.
Rin's eyes narrowed as he processed what Cal had said. "And you? What's your deal, then? Why are you helping me?"
Cal shrugged. "I just... notice things. It's kind of my thing. And you looked lost. I figured I'd step in before the faceless ones found you first." His expression shifted slightly—more thoughtful now, but still light. "It's not often the Tethered come through here. You're rare. That's why the Threshold is here—to make sure the balance doesn't tip. But it's not perfect, and things get... messy."
Rin swallowed, feeling the weight of those words. "Balance, huh?"
"Yep," Cal said. "The Tethered? We're the wild card. And a lot of people don't want us causing trouble." He stood up and slapped Rin lightly on the back. "But hey, that's why you got me. I'll keep you from messing up too badly. Just gotta learn to control your Realm powers, and everything will be fine. Probably."
Rin glanced back at the people still watching them from the streets. "You said 'realm powers.' Does everyone who's Tethered get powers?"
"Pretty much," Cal said with a wink. "And let me tell you, once you start using them, you're gonna want to be careful. Don't just go flinging things around, or you might attract some unwanted attention."
Rin looked at him, feeling a little more at ease, but also more uncertain than ever. "And what happens if I don't learn how to control them?"
Cal didn't answer right away, his grin turning serious for a split second. "You'll become a danger to yourself. To everyone around you." His eyes softened, and his grin returned. "But hey, you're smart, right? You'll figure it out. We all do."
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