The Midnight Key

The moment the faceless being disappeared, the tension in the air snapped like a fraying thread.

Nyra was the first to move, gripping Rene's arm. "We need to go. Now."

Adrian and Adriel were already scanning the darkened forest, their silver eyes sharp, their light flickering at their fingertips.

Lucien exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair. "You know, I was really hoping tonight would be boring."

No one acknowledged him.

Rene held Rena closer, her mind racing. They had two choices.

Run. Disappear before the ones who sealed Rena away could reach them.

Or—

Find Selene. The only one who might have answers before it was too late.

Lucien crossed his arms, tilting his head toward Rene. "You're deciding, aren't you?"

Rene's jaw clenched. "We find Selene."

Nyra nodded. "Agreed."

Adrian and Adriel exchanged glances but didn't argue.

Lucien whistled. "Straight into the storm, then? Bold."

Rene ignored him. "Do you know where she is?"

Lucien smirked. "Not exactly."

Adriel glared at him. "That's not helpful."

Lucien shrugged. "Well, it's not like Selene wants to be found. But…" His golden eyes gleamed. "I have an idea."

Rene's patience was thin. "Then start walking."

Lucien gave a mock bow. "As you command, fearless leader."

They moved swiftly through the forest, the cold night pressing against them. Adrian and Adriel stayed ahead, their presence almost ghostlike as their silver eyes flickered in the darkness. Nyra walked beside Rene, one hand on her blade, every muscle tense.

Lucien?

Still unbothered. But his usual smirk was smaller now.

They didn't stop moving. Not until hours had passed. Not until the forest thinned and the sky turned the color of approaching dawn.

Then—

Lucien abruptly stopped.

Rene barely avoided bumping into him. "What?"

Lucien didn't answer immediately. He was staring ahead, toward a small clearing.

A single, ancient tree stood at the center.

Its bark was black. Its branches twisted unnaturally.

And at the base of the tree, surrounded by scattered leaves and old symbols carved into the ground—

Was a door.

A door that should not be there.

Rene's heart pounded.

Because she knew, deep down—

Selene was behind it.

Lucien sighed. "Well. I did say I had an idea."

Nyra tightened her grip on her blade. "Is this a trap?"

Lucien smirked. "Oh, absolutely."

Adrian and Adriel stepped forward, their silver light flickering in warning.

Rene exhaled.

Then, without hesitation—

She stepped toward the door.

And knocked.

To Be Continued…

—