Evelyn's fingers trembled as she reached for the handle of the door. The metal was cool against her skin, despite the warmth radiating from the book in her other hand. The air inside the greenhouse felt charged, as if time itself was holding its breath.
"Wait," Rosaline whispered, gripping Evelyn's wrist. "Are you sure about this?"
Evelyn met her friend's wide eyes. Fear, concern, and unwavering loyalty reflected back at her. She wasn't sure—not entirely—but she knew that ignoring the door wasn't an option. Something inside her urged her forward, a force greater than fear.
"I have to," Evelyn whispered back. "I need to know the truth."
Rosaline hesitated before nodding, stepping back but keeping close. Evelyn took a steadying breath and turned the handle.
The moment she did, the greenhouse around them seemed to waver, as if the very air had rippled. A soft hum vibrated through the space, and then—the door creaked open.
What lay beyond was not the other side of the greenhouse.
Instead, there was darkness.
A vast, endless void stretched before them, speckled with what looked like distant stars. A gust of wind—warm and oddly comforting—brushed past Evelyn's face, carrying with it a faint whisper.
"Come through…"
The book in her hand grew even warmer, the glow of the carved symbols intensifying. It wanted her to step forward. It was calling her home.
Rosaline gripped Evelyn's arm. "Evelyn… this isn't normal."
Evelyn swallowed. "Nothing about my life has been normal since I woke up in this world."
The realization sent a jolt through her. She had been looking for answers, searching for a connection to the life she had left behind. If this door held even the slightest clue, she had to take the risk.
Taking a deep breath, Evelyn stepped forward.
The moment her foot crossed the threshold, a surge of energy shot through her veins. The darkness wrapped around her, weightless yet powerful, pulling her into its embrace. She heard Rosaline's gasp behind her, but before she could turn back, the door slammed shut.
Evelyn was falling.
No, not falling—drifting.
She was weightless, suspended in the vast expanse of the unknown. The stars around her pulsed in a rhythm that matched her heartbeat. Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the sensation ceased.
Evelyn landed on solid ground.
She opened her eyes to find herself standing in the middle of an opulent ballroom, chandeliers casting golden light across the polished marble floor. Guests in elegant gowns and tailored suits moved gracefully, engaged in quiet conversation.
A masquerade ball.
And yet… something was wrong.
Evelyn looked down at herself. She was dressed in an intricate midnight-blue gown, a mask already secured over her face. Her pulse quickened. How had she changed clothes? Where exactly was she?
Then, a voice—deep, familiar—spoke from behind her.
"I've been waiting for you."
Evelyn turned sharply, her breath catching in her throat.
Standing before her was a man she had never seen before… and yet, something in her soul recognized him instantly.