The woven curtain parts like mist giving way to moonlight, and behind it—colors swirl. A vortex of shimmering rainbow hues spirals slowly, mesmerizing you like a dream you're sure you've had before. The air around it crackles faintly, like static before a thunderstorm.
It looks… warm.
Familiar.
And undeniably magical.
You lean forward, heart racing. Could this be the portal? The way back?
Your head slips through the swirl. A tug at your senses, and suddenly—you see it.
Your room.
Your carpet, your desk, your lamp softly glowing in the corner. The book lies open on your bed—The Big Book of Stories. That same page. That same sentence. Time hasn't raced forward—it's barely moved. Your alarm clock blinks calmly. Just ten minutes have passed.
But you feel it in your bones: you've spent hours here. You've run barefoot through strange woods, met a talking wolf, heard old secrets. A part of you has already changed.
You could go back. Just pull through the veil and curl up in the safety of your own world.
But…
Something holds you. Not fear. Not indecision. Purpose.
You think of Bradley. Of the weight in his eyes when he spoke about his father. Of Trida's wild hunger, and the threads of story, trauma, and mystery tangled around this strange creature who became your guide.
He doesn't just need company—he needs help. You can help.
You take one last look at your room. Then, with steady resolve, you pull your head back.
The portal begins to sizzle softly. The colors ripple, fade, and fold into the threads of the tapestry until nothing remains but quiet.
You turn around and walk back into the hallway.
Bradley stands there, emerging from the kitchen with a tray—tea cups rattling gently, biscuits arranged in a circle that suggests effort. Maybe even hospitality.
His eyes widen when he sees you.
"I want to help you," you say, your voice firm.
Bradley freezes.
Then, slowly, his expression shifts—from surprise to something glowing. Gratitude.
"Thank you for helping me. I am very grateful," he says, voice rasping with warmth.
Then, he lets out a low growl.