The light on the horizon grew brighter.
James stood at the edge of the garden, his eyes fixed on the distant glow. It was different from the shadow they had faced before. Warmer. Inviting. Almost like a beacon.
Elena moved beside him. "It's been three days. It's getting closer."
"I know." James's voice was heavy. "But it doesn't feel like a threat."
"How can you tell?"
James studied the light. "The shadow felt cold. Dark. This feels different. Like it's calling to us."
Serena appeared on his other side. "We should investigate. Whatever it is, we need to know what we're dealing with."
James nodded slowly. "We go. But we stay alert."
---
The journey to the light took two days.
James led his team through the new reality, their movements swift and determined. The light grew brighter
