The silver door pulsed gently in the garden, its light steady and warm.
Ryan stood before it, his hand resting on its frame. The fragments had gathered around him, their red lights flickering with curiosity. Mira sat at the base of the black flower, her silver eyes distant.
"Dada, I feel something."
Ryan turned. "What is it?"
"A door. A new one. It's opening."
Ryan's chest tightened. "Where?"
Mira pointed toward the forest. "Beyond the trees. In the heart of the woods."
---
The forest was dark, ancient, untouched.
Ryan led the way, his scar blazing silver light. Nelson followed, his hand on his belt. Leon came behind, his eyes scanning the shadows. Sarah walked beside Mira, the grey-silver light in her eyes flickering.
Marta had warned them about the woods. "Old things live there
