Noah didn't say anything as he turned, already moving toward the entrance of his home as if the decision had been made the moment she finished speaking.
Gwen hesitated for only a brief moment before following. Her eyes never strayed too far from Noah as the two gazes behind her bore into her with two contrasting yet unsettling stares.
The thick weave of roots blocking Noah's home pulled back and sank into the ground, opening the path leading in. Light suddenly filtered outside from a vibrant light source inside.
Gwen was already mentally prepared for what she was about to do. If she failed, her fate was sealed. And if she succeeded, her fate would still be a mystery, but at least there would be a chance to escape death.
Noah followed just behind her, his presence steady as he stepped inside, and Gwen could feel the difference immediately the moment she crossed into the space after them.
The closer Gwen drew inside, the higher her heart rate climbed.
