The Forbidden Gate

The road narrowed, swallowed by thick trees on either side. Then it appeared.

A massive iron gate, rusted and wrapped in overgrown vines, stretched across the road. Beyond it, the forest was darker, untouched. Hidden.

Leah hit the brakes, her pulse quickening. This was it.

She grabbed her camera from the passenger seat, stepping out into the cool, heavy air. Lifting the lens, she snapped a few shots the eerie gate, the twisted branches, the way the fog curled around it like it was alive.

Her fingers itched with anticipation.

She tried the gate. Locked. Of course.

Leah exhaled, reaching into her bag. She came prepared.

Pulling out her pocket knife, she wedged the blade into the rusted lock. It took effort—twisting, forcing but then…

Click.

The lock gave way with a sharp snap.

Leah smirked, pushing the heavy gate open just enough to squeeze through.

The air inside felt... different. Colder. Heavier. Like she had just crossed an invisible threshold.

Ignoring the prickling sensation on her skin, she hurried back to her car, slipping inside and restarting the engine.

With one last glance at the broken lock, she drove in.

The gate creaked shut behind her.