Belle’s hands moved in swift, precise motions, her expression sharp with concentration. The air around her buzzed with energy as she drew a glowing circle on the ground, the faint shimmer of magic growing brighter with each whispered incantation. I could feel the pull of the portal before it fully formed, a ripple in the air, like reality bending in on itself.
“There,” Belle said, stepping back as the swirling light coalesced into a doorway. She looked pale but steady, her hands trembling only slightly. “It’ll take us where we need to go.”
I glanced at Samuel, who stood at my side, his arm firm around my waist. His touch was warm, grounding me as my legs threatened to give out beneath me.
Jade let out a low whistle as he examined the glowing portal. “Impressive work, Belle. Let’s just h
