Avery woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside the cottage . She stretched , feeling a sense of relief wash over her . They had made it through the night , and now it was time to come up with a plan .
Lyra and Ryker were already up , huddled together in whispered conversation . Avery joined them , her eyes scanning the small cottage . It was cozy , with a fireplace and a small kitchen . But it wasn't a place they could stay for long .
" What's the plan ?" Avery asked , her voice low .
Ryker's eyes met hers . " We need to get you back to the portal ," he said . " But Julian's guards will be looking for us . We'll have to be careful ."
Lyra nodded . " I know a way to the portal that avoids the main roads . But we'll have to move quickly ."
Avery felt a surge of determination . She was ready to do whatever it took to get back home .
As they made their way through the forest , Avery couldn't help but feel a sense of unease . They were being watched , she was sure of it . Julian's guards could be lurking behind any tree .
But Ryker and Lyra seemed to know what they were doing . They moved quickly and quietly , their eyes scanning the surroundings .
As the sun began to set , casting a golden glow over the forest , Avery saw it . The portal . It was a shimmering light in the distance , pulsing with an otherworldly energy .
Avery's heart leapt with excitement . She was going home .
But as they approached the portal , Avery heard a noise behind them . The sound of horse's hooves , the clank of armor .
Julian's guards had found them .
What would Avery do next ? Would she be able to escape through the portal , or would Julian's guards catch up to her ?
🤍🤍🤍