The horse's unease only added to the weight of dread slowly building in Jessamyn's chest. Jessamyn slid off Jostein, her feet hitting the ground with a soft thud. If Jostein couldn't go forward, she would. The horse tossed his head, his eyes wide with worry, but Jessamyn stroked his neck reassuringly.
"It's okay," she murmured. "I'll figure this out."
She started walking, taking careful, deliberate steps toward the valley, her heart thudding in her chest. With each step, the sensation of something blocking her path grew stronger. It wasn't a physical barrier—there was no wall, no gate—but it was as if the very air had thickened, growing heavier with every breath she took.
She reached out her hand, as if trying to touch the invisible force. Her fingers met nothing, but the feeling of resistance was undeniable. Jessamyn's pulse quickened as she stepped back, biting her lip in frustration. What was this? Magic? A spell?
