Chapter 8 : Into the Forest

The map from the journal led deep into the forest behind my grandfather's house—a place no one visited after dark.

But something told us we had to go. We packed a flashlight, the journal, and the page the hooded man had given us.

At exactly midnight, we slipped out the back door and made our way through the woods. Every crack of a branch beneath our feet felt louder than it should have. The trees towered over us like silent watchers, and the air grew colder with every step.

"Are you sure this is safe?" Zeeshan asked, his voice shaking a little.

"No," I replied. "But we have to know."

The map guided us to a clearing. In the middle stood a tree larger than any I had seen. It looked ancient, its bark covered in symbols similar to the ones in the journal.

Suddenly, the journal glowed and a low humming sound filled the air. The tree creaked... and then part of it slowly opened like a door.

We looked at each other.

"No turning back now," I said, stepping forward.

Inside was a spiral staircase carved into the wood. We descended, step by step, until we reached a dimly lit chamber.

At the center stood a stone pedestal… and on it, a glowing orb.

As soon as I touched the orb, visions flooded my mind—memories that weren't mine, voices whispering secrets, warnings of danger, and a name:

"The Guardian is near."

I stumbled back, gasping.

Zeeshan caught me. "What did you see?"

Before I could answer, the chamber trembled, and from the shadows, eyes opened. Many of them.

We weren't alone.

The journal had brought us to something… or someone… and whatever it was, it was now awake.