Suddenly, the entrance behind me slammed shut with an ominous finality, the sound reverberating through the celestial chamber. My chest tightened.
I was trapped.
It was either I was going home, or I was going to die here.
Can I actually trust this beast? My thoughts raced, spiraling into doubt. The elder's calm demeanor only added to the tension, making it impossible to gauge his true intentions. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was placing my fate in the hands of a stranger.
This wasn't the perfect decision—I knew that.
But what else could I do right now?
"I'm ready," I nodded, my voice steady despite the unease crawling up my spine. The old rat smiled faintly, his wrinkled face betraying the faintest hint of amusement.
