As I emerged through the Portal into Glenelg, I found myself in the familiar surroundings of a secluded alcove. It wasn't the most elegant entrance; I had to pull myself out from the smooth flat rock, but this spot was perfect for my secure access point, shielded from prying eyes and conveniently close to the Glenelg jetty where I usually met Jeremiah.

The lush greenery surrounding the alcove provided excellent cover, making it nearly impossible for any passerby to notice my arrival. The crashing waves on the nearby shore masked any noise my entry might produce, adding an extra layer of secrecy. In all of the places that I had registered a Portal location, this one had become my favourite. It was a place of tranquility, a moment of respite before immersing myself in the hectic world of Earth and my Guardian responsibilities. This spot had become a sanctuary for me, a hidden gateway between Clivilius and Earth. Over time, it had grown to symbolise the trust and camaraderie among Guardians. We safeguarded our access points, ensuring the veil between our worlds remained intact. It was a responsibility we took seriously, knowing the delicate balance we had to maintain.

Taking a deep breath, I centred myself, preparing for what lay ahead. As I emerged from the alcove and set foot on the soft sand, I cast a final glance back at the smooth, flat rock. It was more than just an access point; it embodied the essence of being a Guardian. The worlds of Clivilius and Earth were intertwined in ways that I still didn't understand, and I knew that I was one thread connecting them. The lines between my two worlds were blurred, and I had to navigate the complexities with care.

The salty tang of the sea air was almost overwhelming as I followed the footpath that snaked its way toward the Glenelg jetty, a concrete finger stretching out into the embrace of the ocean. The jetty, a vibrant tapestry of life, was alive with the hum of activity. Tourists snapped photos, their laughter mingling with the cries of seagulls, while locals strolled leisurely, soaking in the warmth of the sun. Amid this idyllic scene, my mind was a tempest of concern and urgency, the light-hearted joy of the scene around me in stark contrast to the gravity of my thoughts.

Abbey's sudden emergence and her revelations had thrown me into uncharted waters. The fact that she, too, was a Guardian wasn't what unsettled me the most. It was her inexplicable visit to Gladys and the mysterious connection between them that gnawed at me. The implications were vast and unsettling. My steps quickened with my racing thoughts. If I didn't act swiftly, I risked losing a critical advantage, a chance that was rightfully mine to seize.

As I reached the terminus of the jetty, I paused, letting my gaze drift over the expanse of the ocean. The waves crashed against the pillars with relentless energy, mirroring the turmoil that surged within me. The situation with Abbey, Gladys, and now the uncertain future, demanded immediate attention. I needed Jeremiah's insight more than ever. The thought of our hasty exit from Gladys's house replayed in my mind, fuelling my resolve. This spot, where the land reached out to touch the sea, had always been our rendezvous point, a place of beginnings and, sometimes, of endings.

Standing there, amidst the ebb and flow of strangers, I felt a solitary figure caught in the grip of unfolding events beyond my control. The possibility of losing Gladys loomed over me like a dark cloud. The very thought was suffocating. Yet, deep down, I recognised the truth that Gladys's path was hers to choose, not mine to dictate. Whether she embraced her potential as a Guardian or forged her own destiny in Belkeep or elsewhere, I would stand by her decision.

But it was the hope that Jeremiah would see the necessity of keeping Gladys within our circle that preoccupied me as I waited. Her connection to us, regardless of her decision regarding the Portal Key, was a bond I believed was worth preserving. I could only hope that Jeremiah would share my perspective, understanding the delicate balance between guiding and allowing freedom to choose. As the sea breeze tousled my hair, I braced myself for the conversation ahead, ready to navigate the delicate intricacies of our situation. The fate of our relationships, the future of our missions, all hinged on the outcomes of discussions yet to be had.

Waiting at the end of the pier for Jeremiah, I frowned momentarily as the brief thought crossed my mind, if not Gladys, then who would I give the Portal Key to? And there's still two of them! the unwelcome reminder echoed through my mind.

My uncertainty manifested in a relentless pacing back and forth on the weathered wood of the jetty, the minutes stretching into what seemed like an eternity. The anticipation of Jeremiah's arrival only served to amplify my anxiety, each step I took a testament to the unease that gripped me. And then, at last, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd, his presence a beacon amidst the sea of faces.

"Cody," he greeted, his voice tinged with concern.

"Jeremiah," I responded, our exchange brief but laden with an unspoken understanding. The air between us was charged with tension, a residue of conversations paused but not concluded, of questions asked but not answered.

Breaking the silence, I delved into the heart of the matter, my voice betraying a familiarity with Abbey that belied the truth of our non-acquaintance. "So, Abbey is a Guardian too," I stated, the simplicity of the words belying the complexity of the implications. "And she knows about Port Stower," I added, the significance of this knowledge not lost on either of us.

Jeremiah nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, it appears that way. Enders Climb, near the former capital, Port Stower, was her settlement."

"I've never heard of Ender's Climb," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. "I can't believe I didn't know about her," I murmured, wondering how I could miss a critical close influence of Gladys.

"Clivilius is vast, Cody," Jeremiah replied. "There are so many settlements, and most of them are isolated from any other settlement. Abbey's group likely operated independently, away from the main network."

"I know," I replied, the words heavy with the weight of my oversight. I berated myself silently for not being more vigilant, for allowing the existence of a Guardian with potential ties to Gladys—and possibly to broader concerns like Killerton Enterprises or the Guardian Order—to slip beneath my radar. The implications of Abbey's knowledge and her proximity to our network gnawed at me, sparking a flurry of questions and fears about the depth of her understanding and her intentions.

"Do you think she knows more about our world and the current situation?" I ventured, breaking the silence that had fallen between us. Jeremiah's thoughtful pause was telling, his contemplation a mirror to my own. "It's possible," he conceded, his response opening the door to a myriad of possibilities. "We should try to find her again and see if she's willing to share any information. She might know things that could be valuable to us."

"But what about the risk?" I asked.

Jeremiah's gaze grew distant for a moment. "Being a Guardian is inherently dangerous," he said. "And having a witness from Earth who knows about Clivilius seems to be attracting unwanted attention. We'll have to be careful."

I sighed inwardly as I accepted Jeremiah's assessment of Gladys's position. My mind raced with the newfound knowledge, and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. "I never imagined all of this when I first became a Guardian," I admitted. "It's so much more complicated than I ever thought."

"We all had to learn the hard way," Jeremiah said, his tone empathetic. "But it's our duty to protect both worlds, and sometimes that means dealing with difficult situations."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," I replied, a mix of determination and anxiety swirling inside me.

Jeremiah placed a hand on my shoulder, offering reassurance. "You're doing a great job, Cody. We just have to keep moving forward and do what we can to make a difference."

I nodded, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Jeremiah. I try my best."

"Now, let's talk about Gladys," Jeremiah said, suddenly shifting the focus back to the pressing matter at hand. "How did it go with her after Abbey left?"

"She appeared rather overwhelmed by it all. It's clear she's conflicted," I replied.

"That's understandable," Jeremiah said with a heavy sigh.

"I'll find a way to make her see how important she could be," I said, frustration tingeing my voice.

"I hope you know what you're doing," Jeremiah said, preparing me for the possibility that Gladys might not accept the device. "If she doesn't accept the Portal Key, maybe it's time to consider other options."

"What do you mean?" I asked, already suspecting where he was heading, but not yet ready to accept any other option.

"I'm saying that maybe Gladys isn't cut out to be a Guardian," Jeremiah suggested. "Perhaps I should just bring her through my Portal and keep her safe in Clivilius."

Anger surged through me, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It was one thing for me to bring Gladys to Belkeep as a Clivilian. Hell, or even if she joined Luke's settlement. But for Jeremiah to even think about suggesting that he take her... The thought made my blood boil. "You can't be serious,” I retorted, clenching my fists. "Gladys is not some pawn you can just move around at your whim!"

"Cody, calm down," Jeremiah said, holding his hands up in a placating gesture.

But I couldn't calm down. The idea of taking Gladys away from her life, from Earth, and forcing her into a world she might not be ready for was infuriating. She deserved the choice, just like any other Guardian.

In a moment of heated frustration, I swung my fist, landing a punch squarely on Jeremiah's jaw. He staggered back, looking at me with a mixture of surprise and betrayal.

"You don't get to decide her fate," I snapped, my voice shaking with emotion.

Jeremiah touched his jaw, his expression softening. "I'm sorry, Cody. I didn't mean to suggest forcing her. But we can't afford to wait forever. The situation in Clivilius is dire, and we need all the help we can get."

"I know that," I replied, my anger subsiding slightly. "But pressuring her like this won't help. We need to give her time to process everything."

Jeremiah sighed, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "You have three days, Cody," he said firmly. "If she hasn't activated the Portal Key by the end of the third day, I'm taking the device off her and finding someone else. And you won't have a choice about it."

My heart sank at the ultimatum, but I knew Jeremiah was right about one thing – time is running out. Especially now that Luke is active, Clivilius needs every Guardian it can get, and Gladys has the potential to be a powerful ally. I have to find a way to convince her to accept the responsibility.

With a heavy heart, I nodded. "I'll do my best," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jeremiah placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I know you will," he said, his tone softening. "And if anyone can make her see the importance of this, it's you."

Before I could respond, “Light the fire," Jeremiah said, offering me a small smile as he pushed the Portal Key into the palm of my hand.

“Share the light,” came the instinctive reply, my mind already racing with how to approach the situation with Gladys.

As Jeremiah quickly turned and vanished into the crowds, I was left standing alone at the end of the jetty, the weight of the ultimatum heavy on my shoulders. I had three days to convince Gladys to become a Guardian, or I would almost inevitably lose her forever. It was a daunting task, but I was determined to give it everything I had. My worlds depended on it.