Page 98 of The Wishing Game

A beaming smile stretches across Thea's face as she dashes forward.

"It's here!" she exclaims.

I trail behind, frowning as I don't realize what she's pointing to. Aside from the beautiful vines adorning the mountain, there's nothing else.

"Where?"

She doesn't acknowledge my question as she walks farther until she's in front of the rock. Reaching forward, her hand passes right through the stone, disappearing within it.

What...

Well, that certainly is unlike any portal I've seen in TV shows.

"Come on." She beckons to us. Without waiting, she walks straight into the rock, disappearing from sight.

If up until now I could have somehow logically explained awaysomeevents, this is beyond my capabilities.

She just passed through stone!

Cer is next, following closely after Thea.

That leaves only me and Ze. And while I have no doubt there'ssomethingat the other end, I'm still a little apprehensive about stepping into the literal unknown.

"What are you waiting for?" Ze barks out from behind me.

"Does it hurt?" I blurt the question out loud.

Thea and Cer left so quickly I haven't even gotten the opportunity to ask some questions, get a little more used to the thought of crossing into another world, or even the mere action of walking into a wall of stone. Some additional mental preparation wouldnothave hurt.

"What? Of course not," he huffs out loud. "It's just a doorway."

"It doesn't look like one," I mutter under my breath as I walk a little closer. I study the rock and the vines, tentatively stretching my arm to touch them. But my courage seems to be in limited supply as I chicken out just as I'm about to make contact.

Mr. Impatience doesn't like that, and instead of helping me ease into it, he simply sweeps me into his arms and walks forward.

Straight into the rock.

My eyes snap shut as I grab onto him with all my might, holding my breath as I prepare for the worst. So far, I've been a good sport, but I don't know why the prospect of going into another world terrifies me so much.

"You can open your eyes." Ze's voice rings out not even a minute after.

I slowly creep them open, my lashes fluttering in shock when I see a mirror image of the place we've just left.

What...

I'm not sure what I was expecting. Maybe some sci-fi civilization, or maybe some type of ancient, intricate architecture. Instead, all I see is a stretch of green land and mountainous rock, with trees and rich vegetation scattered all over.

"Is this it?" I ask in awe. The words are barely out of my mouth when I find myself flat on the ground.For the third time!

Ze's goal to be nicer needs more work, and I make sure to point that out to him, but he doesn't seem that concerned with what I think. Instead, he completely ignores me as he narrows his eyes, walking in circles as if he's looking for something.

Dusting my clothes, I get up just in time to see the same wraith as before appear in front of us.

"Congratulations on reaching P'davi. The second trial will be announced in one day. If you continue down the mountain, you will reach a complex where the contestant quarters are located. You have opted to continue as a team, and as such, you will be placed in the same accommodation. Your suite number is56."

Out of nowhere, the wraith materializes a key, which she gives to me—or rather, the key simply drops into my waiting hands.

"The announcement for the second trial will take place in the main courtyard of the complex. Until then, you are free to rest, move around, and get to know the other contestants. You are, however, prohibited from leaving the complex grounds. Whoever is found in breach of this rule will be disqualified from the game, together with their team."

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