Chapter 5: A New Beginning
Aurora could not shake the memory of the glowing light she had encountered in the woods. Tossing and turning in her bed, she squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that sleep would embrace her if she tried hard enough. But sleep evaded her, leaving only thoughts of that mysterious radiance swirling through her mind.
Curiosity gnawed at her. What had that light been? Why did her heart pound so loudly in her chest? She half-wondered if it were fear or excitement. Pushing herself up from her bed, Aurora reached for her flashlight and slipped into her cozy slippers. She crept out of her room, cautious not to wake her parents or grandparents.
The house was quiet. With deliberate care, she made her way to the front door, opening it slowly, mindful of every creak. Stepping out, she inhaled deeply the cool night air, which wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. A smile danced on her lips; she had always felt a strong connection to nature, its various wonders captivating her without fail.
Looking up at the sky, Aurora marveled at the scene unfolding above her. The clouds draped themselves like curtains, giving the night a distinct hue. The darkness had deepened, painted with patches of unusual red, and not a single star twinkled down at her. An odd feeling settled in her stomach, but she quickly dismissed the unsettling sight. Her mind was fixated on that glowing light in the woods.
As a fan of adventure and fantasy films, she had often dreamed of stepping into a realm completely different from her own. The light resembled a portal, a gateway to another world. Following an inexplicable compulsion, she ventured into the woods, each step taking her closer to the unknown.
She heard nothing but the crunch of twigs beneath her feet and the rapid beating of her heart. Was this hesitation? Or was it determination? Despite being alone in the dark, she felt an urgency urging her forward.
With each step, the radiant light grew nearer, pulsing gently like a living thing. She quickened her pace, excitement electrifying her senses. Then, standing before the pulsating glow, it felt as if a doorway to another dimension awaited her.
Tentatively, she stretched out her hand. The moment her fingers grazed the luminous surface, an invisible force yanked her forward. Before she could comprehend what was happening, she was hurled into the light.
Aurora blinked in disbelief. Her heart, once a frantic drum, now slowed to an even pulse. She looked around and whispered, "Yes! I was right; this is a portal to another world!"
The realization struck just as rain began to pour down in heavy sheets. Her clothes became soaked in seconds; the once-white shirt clung to her skin, revealing more than she intended. Panic surged within her as she turned to look for a way back, only to find the portal disappearing behind her like a wisp of smoke.
Desperation gripped her. What had she done? She scanned her surroundings, searching for shelter from the relentless downpour. All she could see were towering trees, their trunks thick and ancient, creating a labyrinth of shadows that offered no refuge.
Goosebumps pricked at her skin as a chilling realization settled in—she was truly alone in a foreign place. Fear crept in, and for a moment, she felt paralyzed. She wanted to scream, to call out for help, but no sound escaped her mouth.
Suddenly, a rustling noise broke the silence to her left, and her heart leaped into her throat. What was that? Before she could react, a grotesque creature lunged at her, a chilling amalgam of wild animal and nightmarish beast.
Time seemed to freeze, and she braced for the worst. But then she heard a sound: a sharp, slicing sound that ripped through the tension like a knife. To her astonishment, the creature was suddenly slashed in half, its grotesque form crumpling to the ground.
Aurora's eyes widened in disbelief. As fear turned to intrigue, she lifted her gaze, only to find herself staring into the captivating eyes of a man whose beauty defied description. He stood before her, a vision of chiselled perfection amidst chaos.
He was tall, his wet hair clinging to his sculpted features, and his ocean-blue eyes glowed with an intensity that took her breath away. She found herself speechless, completely lost in his presence as if he were a dream carved from starlight. The moment seemed to stretch as he stood there, an ethereal guardian in the throes of rain.
"Lady, why are you looking at me like that?" His voice, thick yet warm, broke the spell. "You should be thanking me. I just saved your life."
Aurora blinked, still in shock. "Thank you," she stammered, the words fumbling out in a rush. The rain began to lessen, creating a calming rhythm against the forest floor.
"Who… who are you?" she managed, searching his handsome face for any trace of humor or mischief.
"Lucas," he replied nonchalantly, turning his back to her. He began to walk away, leaving her feeling more confused than ever.
"Wait!" Aurora called out, grounding herself in reality. "Why did you help me?"
He paused, looking over his shoulder with an enigmatic smile. "Because the woods are unforgiving. Not all creatures here are like me."
She could feel the weight of his presence even as he turned away. Overwhelmed with questions, she couldn't help but follow him. "What place is this? How did I get here?"
Lucas didn't give her any response, he stop walking and turn to his back telling Aurora to stop following him, Aurora has shocked by his response, she knew if she stop following this strange handsome man, she will get devoured by the strange creatures in the forest.
Aurora still continue following him that the Same time she started to tell him how she entered this magical world, she decided to stop talking because the man that her front was not giving her any response or attention.
As they ventured further into the woods together, she realized that this new beginning wasn't just about entering another world. It was about discovering herself, forging her path, and embracing the unfathomable adventure that awaited her.