In an instant, the world around Ryder seemed to fall silent—the ticking seconds and the loud, nervous beating of his heart suddenly stopped, caught in a stillness that was both surreal and terrifying.
Just as he braced for what he thought would be the shattering explosion of the gate, the scene around him took on an eerie slowness.
Through the suspended shards of the gate, frozen mid-air, a figure moved with unnatural calm.
She stepped from the shadows of the Passing Realm into the Mortal Realm, her form untouched by the chaos swirling around her.
Ryder's green eyes went wide as he recognized the little girl—once so innocent in appearance, now twisted with an unmistakable malice.
He felt Ryley's words pound in his memory, urgent and unyielding.
"Whatever happens, don't let go of Rosie's hand. She's the only guarantee you'll return alive and intact."
