The massive gates groaned as they shuddered open, the sound so deep and thunderous that Coco flinched instinctively— her shoulders tensing at the sheer weight of the noise.
It echoed across the frozen ground, vibrating through her feet and seeping to her bones.
Coco's breath hitched and she tried to remove herself from her mother's grip, but Cleora's grip on Coco's wrist stayed firm, pulling her forward as the gates yawned wider, revealing just enough space for the wagons to roll through.
Coco's pulse pounded in her ears.
It was clear Cleora had no intention of stopping and what's worse is that she still hadn't said a single word.
Cleora tugged at her and the two of them went through the opened gates, her breath caught in her chest— her eyes widening at the sight before her.
It was unlike anything she had ever seen so far.
