Between two realities

Trees towered over her, trees of different sizes and shapes she had never seen before. The silence of the night felt… wrong. Darker than normal. Eerie. Her footsteps echoed as she took each step forward. “Hello?” She called out, confusion clear in her voice. She looked around, her gaze landing on what seemed like a large lizard. But its eyes… its eyes were like that of a snake. Its grey scales shimmered faintly in the night. She quickly looked away, goosebumps rising on her skin. “Is anyone there? Can anyone hear me?” she screamed. No answer. “Please… can anyone hear me…?” Her voice came out louder than she expected. She looked up at the towering trees that completely covered the sky. Unconsciously, she quickened her steps. They became unsteady as her eyes scanned the area, searching for an exit. “I want to go home…” she whispered, her voice low. A strong wind suddenly blew past her, making her shudder. “Come.” A voice sounded. She froze. Turning around quickly, she searched for who had spoken—but saw no one. “Come.” It came again. “Is anyone there?!” she shouted. No reply. She turned forward again—only to meet the creature she had seen earlier. Her breath hitched. Its golden eyes stared directly at her, as if trying to pierce into her soul. She broke the stare immediately and turned away, walking faster. Then jogging. Then running, as if her life depended on it. After a while, she stopped. A lake stood before her. Her eyes fixed on it. She began walking toward it slowly. The closer she got, the calmer she felt. It was as if the water was calling her… telling her not to worry… telling her she belonged here. Before she realized it, she had reached the edge of the lake. She stared into the clear water, its surface shimmering like silver. Slowly, she bent down and dipped her hand into it. “What the…?” She pulled her hand back in shock. Her gaze locked onto her reflection. The face was hers. But the eyes… weren’t. Grey. With a faint hint of purple. Her breathing became uneven. She grabbed a strand of her hair. Still black. Then why was the one in the water grey? She took a step back, panic rising. She turned, trying to run— but her feet wouldn’t move. Something was pulling her. Dragging her toward the lake. “No…” She struggled, but it was useless. The closer she got, the stronger it became. When she reached the edge again, she looked down— And froze in horror. Her reflection was moving. Slowly… it raised its hand. As if reaching for her. Her heart skipped. She felt it. A hand. Grabbing hers. Cold. Tight. Her mouth opened to scream— No sound came out. With a sudden, forceful pull— She was dragged into the lake.