It took me a second to realize that I could use the creature. Probably because I really didn’t want to touch it. Even if it was just with my boots. By the time I realized the creature had finally realized where I was and turned to face me. Which meant that if I really wanted to do it, I had to do it now.

I bolted toward the creature. I ignored all my instincts that told me to go in the other direction. Once I was close enough, I jumped on top of the creature, narrowly avoiding what I think was its mouth. I ran towards the portal on its back. Trying to ignore the sounds I heard with every step.

Then I jumped, diving face-first into the portal as I thought of home. Though many of Auth’s book characters come to the library when she writes their books. I stay there for hours at a time. Having random conversations with her. So after everything that has happened, going home to Auth’s library felt like the best choice.

I flew out of the portal on the other side, crashing into the ground. Skidding into what could only be a bookshelf. Because all the books in it fell right onto me. I wasn’t upset about it though, since. All these books must have meant I was in Auth’s library.

Or at least that was what I thought until a voice spoke up. “I don’t know who you are, but I advise you to get out of my house before I kick your ass.”

I bit back a sigh of irritation as I pushed the books off of me. Then, ignoring all the new bruises I probably now have, I stood up. Then glanced at the one who had just spoken. The first thing that came to mind was not the weird weapon he had pointed at me, but how tall he was. I’m only 5’2", but the man in front of me seemed at least 6’4".

He had a muscular body and big hands to match his height. At the sight of his big hands, my thoughts instantly went to a book Auth recently read. The book claimed big hands meant the person had a big cock. I probably shouldn’t be thinking like that when I have a weapon pointed at me. Oh well.

His hair was pure silver. Which would have made me think he was old if his features didn’t contradict it. Actually, he looked to be around my age. Not that I was going to ask him. His eyes were lighter than the silver of his hair, and stared at me not with the distrust and anger I heard in his voice earlier, but with something else.

Before I could process what that something else was. He dropped his weapon and pulled me into his arms. His big frame engulfed me as he muttered. “You’re back. I can’t believe you’re finally back, Mar.”

I pushed him away. At least I tried, to he didn’t even budge an inch.

“You’ve got the wrong person. My name is Portal,” I told him, hoping he would let go.

I didn’t mind hugging people I knew. Hell, everyone who knows me has to suffer my hugs daily. People I don’t know, however. I don’t want them hugging me. He didn’t seem to even register my words, so I spoke again.

“Please let me go before I hurt you.”

Still no response, so I pulled out my arm and curled my hand into a fist. I then jerked upwards and slammed it right into the underside of his jaw. That shocked him enough for him to let go of me and step back. Before he could get over his shock and retaliate, I planted my foot in his chest. Sending him crashing into what looked to be a kitchen.

He just laid there for a second staring at me in shock. Like he couldn’t believe I had done that. Yeah, well. Welcome to my world. I brushed my clothes off, feeling like I should burn them. I really didn’t like it when people I didn’t know touched me.

However, I decided against it since I was wearing my favorite clothes.

“Marcus?” Another unfamiliar voice asked, drawing my attention to a group of people coming down the stairs.

These new people ranged from the same age as the man I had just kicked into the kitchen. To some as young as eight years old. The one who had spoken was at the head of the group, staring between me and the other man. Who had picked himself up when I wasn’t looking.

The look in his eyes had become completely different since he had wrapped his arms around me.

“Despite how alike they look, he’s already claimed that he isn’t Marcus.”

His tone of voice suggested I should leave soon. Usually, I would be more than happy to do just that. However, Auth still hasn’t contacted me back, which means. Something is stopping me from contacting her or her from contacting me. So, I need to study the technology and figure out what the hell is going on.

“Don’t worry, I’ll go. However, do you have any old technology I can have? I need to contact a... friend to get out of here, and something seems to stop me from doing so.” I stated directing my words mainly at the man I had met first.

Before he could respond with the hatred, I saw flash in his eyes, one of the others spoke up.

“Of course, I’ll send it up to your room.” It was the same man who had called me Marcus earlier.

“My room?” I asked, surprised.

He shooed the others back up the stairs and gestured for me to follow him. Not bothering to answer the question I had asked. The other one just scoffed and stormed up the stairs ahead of us. I hesitated at the bottom. Wondering why I was even thinking of doing this.

After a moment’s hesitation. I told myself that I needed some of this world’s technology, and I really didn’t want to see one of those creatures again. They said something about a curfew. So, that must mean that people in this world must not be able to go out after dark. Though if you ask me, with no sun, it’s hard to tell what is night and day in this world.

I’m going to have to be careful until Auth can get me out of here.