ELARA
"Where are we going?" I dared to ask again as we made a third turn in a dimly lit corridor that stretched endlessly. Its path was only visible thanks to the silver chandeliers lining the ceiling, emitting flame-like golden embers that illuminated the entire place.
The strange guard spared me a momentary glance, a subtle smile hovering on his lips as we made another turn. Ahead lay a door marked EXIT in bold capital letters. "You are a curious one, aren't you?" was his only response. Unsatisfied, I was about to push for more clues—reluctant to follow him without knowing where he was taking me—but the door automatically swung open, and bright light flooded our path, blinding me momentarily.
I winced, shielding my eyes abruptly.
"Hurry up, Elara." He suddenly increased his pace, nec
