I burst through the front door, the bright daylight momentarily blinding me. As I stumbled forward, I collided with someone, nearly losing my balance. I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my vision, and then I saw her.
"Raven!" I gasped, my heart leaping with relief and joy. She looked just as surprised to see me, her dark eyes wide with concern.
"Jade?" Raven's voice was a mix of disbelief and urgency. She reached out, steadying me with her strong hands. "What happened? Where have you been?"
Before I could respond, I heard Mary's furious voice behind me. "You can't escape, Jade!"
Raven's expression hardened, and she pulled me closer. "We need to go. Now."
Without hesitation, we took off running, our footsteps pounding against the pavement. The streets were unfamiliar, and the world around us was a strange blend of the mundane and the extraordinary.
