CHAPTER THREE
THE KINGDOM OF A THOUSAND DOORS
Elara stepped through the portal with Kael and Lyra.
The moment she entered, the door disappeared behind them.
They stood beneath a red moon.
Thousands of doors floated above them.
Some were made of gold.
Some of glass.
Some of stone.
Some looked ancient.
Others appeared brand new.
Kael stared upward.
"Where are we?"
Lyra answered,
"The Door Realm."
Elara looked around.
"What is this place?"
"Every door leads somewhere."
"Where?"
"Everywhere."
Elara frowned.
"That's not helpful."
Lyra smiled.
"Some doors lead to worlds."
"Others?"
"Memories."
Elara stopped.
"Memories?"
Lyra nodded.
"Every strong emotion creates a door."
Kael looked at Elara.
"Then this place must contain billions of doors."
"More."
A voice came from behind them.
"More than anyone could count."
A young man stepped out of the shadows.
He had silver-black hair and golden eyes.
He smiled at Elara.
"Welcome, Heartbearer."
Kael immediately stepped in front of her.
"Who are you?"
The stranger laughed.
"Protective."
"Answer me."
"My name is Darian."
He bowed.
"I'm the Guardian of this realm."
Kael didn't lower his sword.
Darian looked at Elara.
"You shouldn't have come here."
Elara crossed her arms.
"Everyone keeps telling me that."
Darian smiled.
"Then perhaps you should finally listen."
Suddenly, thousands of doors began opening.
A terrible sound echoed through the realm.
The Hollow had arrived.
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