Ashren’s breath came slow and shallow.

  The forest remained still, as if listening.

  Then the voice returned.

  Not louder.

  Not closer.

  But heavier.

  “You have no idea,” it said,

  “the weight of your resolution.”

  Ashren swallowed.

  Before he could speak, the air in front of him shimmered.

  Something formed.

  Not summoned with force—

  but placed.

  A key fell into his open hand.

  Ashren stared.

  It was old—dark metal etched with faint symbols that seemed to shift

  when he wasn’t looking. Cold at first… then warm, as if responding to

  his pulse.

  One hand gripped Ravenn’s blade.

  The other held the key.

  “What… is this?” Ashren demanded.

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  “What am I supposed to do with it?”

  Silence answered for a heartbeat.

  Then—

  “Call it,” the voice said calmly.

  “Whenever you need it.”

  Ashren’s brow furrowed.

  “Call what? A key to where?”

  No answer.

  Only the faintest pressure—like a presence turning away.

  “Wait!” Ashren snapped.

  “You can’t just—!”

  The voice faded.

  “You will know,” it said, already distant.

  “For now… farewell.”

  The forest returned.

  Sound rushed back all at once.

  Wind.

  Leaves.

  His own breathing.

  Ashren stared at the key, heart pounding.

  Then—

  The air behind him shifted.

  A low hum vibrated through the ground.

  Ashren turned.

  And froze.

  A door stood where nothing had been before.

  Tall.

  Ancient.

  Floating inches above the forest floor.

  Its surface glowed with soft white light, symbols pulsing like a slow heartbeat. A keyhole sat perfectly centered—waiting.

  Ashren’s mind struggled to catch up.

  “A… door?”

  A deep growl rolled through the trees.

  Closer.

  Another followed.

  Then another.

  The forest was waking again.

  Ashren tightened his grip on the sword, pain flaring through his body

  as he forced himself upright. His wounds burned. His legs trembled.

  He didn’t have time.

  He couldn’t stay.

  With his injuries, the forest would devour him before dawn.

  His gaze snapped back to the door.

  White light spilled from its edges, too bright to see what lay beyond.

  Unknown.

  Unpromised.

  Unforgiving.

  Ashren’s heart thundered.

  “What if it kills me?” he whispered.

  A branch snapped nearby.

  Something moved.

  Closer.

  Ashren clenched his jaw.

  “…Then staying here will kill me faster.”

  He lifted the key.

  It fit perfectly.

  The moment it turned—

  Light exploded outward.

  Pure.

  Blinding.

  Silent.

  Ashren didn’t hesitate.

  He stepped forward.

  Into the unknown.

  The door closed behind him.

  The forest screamed—

  Then went silent.

  To be continued…