Chapter 10: chapterr 10
Xyra Cryden stood beneath the shimmering expanse of the night sky, her eyes tracing the distant stars as if they held the answers she sought. The meaning of her existence weighed heavily on her, the emptiness of her current life gnawing at her soul. She longed for something more—for a chance to escape the familiar world and step into the mysterious, untamed expanse beyond the towering light pillars that dotted the land like ancient sentinels.
For as long as she could remember, Xyra had been homeschooled, shielded from the intricacies of society, but now, in her final year, she was thrust into the rigid routine of formal education. Yet even that seemed trivial compared to the strange allure of the light pillars—gateways to an unknown dimension, a place beyond comprehension, controlled by the ever-watchful federal government. Few understood its true nature, but it called to many. Some ventured in search of adventure, others were captivated by its eerie landscapes, and still others were driven by an insatiable curiosity. Yet, all who entered the vast unknown shared one desire: to survive.
Within that enigmatic frontier, nothing could be brought in, and nothing could be taken out—save for the traveler themselves. The dangers within were said to defy imagination, and only the strongest, those who passed the rigorous government assessments, were granted the privilege of entry. Even then, survival was far from guaranteed.
Despite the overwhelming risks, Xyra's desire to explore the forbidden unknown only grew stronger. Yet standing in her way was her brother, ever protective, always insisting it wasn't a place for her. He reminded her constantly that she should be content with the life their wealthy family had afforded them, far removed from danger. As the youngest and most cherished member of the Cryden family, Xyra had always been kept safe, shielded from harm.
Meanwhile, across the city in the silence of a dim dorm room, John lay alone, his thoughts drifting to Elena, the emptiness of her absence weighing heavily on him. Uncertain of the future and unaware of what awaited, he surrendered to sleep, unaware of the mysteries looming ahead in worlds far stranger than either of them could fathom.