Chapter 34

Althea's consciousness felt adrift in a sea of uncertainty. One moment, she was lost in that terrifying room with the scuttling worms, and the next, she found herself in an entirely different place, one that was both unfamiliar and bewildering.

The surroundings had transformed into a surreal dreamscape. She stood in the middle of a lush, vibrant forest with towering ancient trees whose leaves whispered secrets in the breeze. The air was crisp and carried the sweet scent of wildflowers. Sunlight streamed through the canopy, casting enchanting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Althea's mind struggled to comprehend this abrupt change.

Then, she saw a familiar figure approaching her. Her heart leaped with both excitement and confusion, for it was her father, Kingsley. He wore the clothes of a bygone era, and his face bore a stern expression.

"Father, what are you doing here?" Althea asked, her voice filled with surprise and relief.