Strangers in a familiar place

The portal between worlds shimmered like oil on water, distorting reality as Blake stepped through. His body was still raw, still healing, but in his hand, he clutched Rose's soul-crystal, its gentle glow illuminating his gaunt face while his other hand, he held Rose above his shoulder.

The familiar world collapsed behind him, sealing itself shut with a sound like tearing silk.

And then—silence.

Just the wind through trees. The scent of pine and soil. The steady drip of morning dew.

Home.

Their cabin stood just as they had left it, nestled among towering pines at the edge of the clearing. Smoke-stained windows. Weathered logs. The porch swing Blake had built when they first moved in, creaking gently in the breeze.

But something was... off.