Prologue
"Mother!" Both girls cried out, stumbling over the uneven tree branches as they cautiously moved forward. The forest appeared to be trapped in a timeless silence, devoid of the usual harmonies of birdsong or the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind.
Here, in this strange world, life seemed an elusive concept, with no place for its vibrant pulse. Life, they knew, was a constant dance of progress, creating new moments and memories, blossoming slowly yet surely, only to fade away gracefully when its time came, leaving traces of its existence behind.
But in this peculiar dimension, only eternity reigned supreme, indifferent to the fleeting nature of mortal beings. It was a world where the definitive passage of time seemed fragile, too ephemeral to sustain. A place where transience clashed with the steadfast embrace of forever.
The apparition of the white lady led them deeper into the somnolent forest, a misty path stretching relentlessly among lifeless trees, shrouded in an eerie darkness. A momentary loss of footing sent one of the girls tumbling to the cold, unforgiving ground. While trying to regain their balance, they heard a curious rustling among the trunks, which drew their attention.
Raising their eyes, they found themselves locked in the enigmatic gaze of a pair of large, mesmerizing eyes, colored in varying hues of gray and gold. A peculiar feeling of security enveloped them, replacing any fear they might have had towards these majestic creatures.
Whispers of "Wolves," escaped their lips as the girls extended their hands, reaching out to the magnificent beasts. There was a strange sense of familiarity between them, as if some unseen bond connected their souls.
The wolves approached with grace, their steps measured and purposeful, never breaking their intense gaze with the twins. The moonlight bathed their silky fur, causing it to gleam like precious metal. The girls softly scratched the wolves' muzzles, their gentle touch eliciting purrs that resembled the contentment of a pampered cat.
But the tranquility of the moment was suddenly shattered when a blur of movement, emanating an unsettling aura, rushed towards the wolves. They were knocked aside with force, causing the earth to tremble and split open. Fear gripped the hearts of Bella and Clara, as they instinctively backed away from the parting ground under their petite feet.
Their eyes followed the trail of the rushing blur to reveal a sight that sent chills down their spines. Before them stood a peculiar, almost ethereal humanoid figure with hauntingly pale skin and crimson eyes, its beauty transcendent yet tainted with something sinister and otherworldly. It was a creature that seemed too stunning to be human, but far too terrifying to retain any traces of humanity.
In those blood-red eyes, the girls saw malevolence and a thirst for destruction. They were aware of danger, though they couldn't comprehend the motives of this enigmatic entity.
Just as the creature was about to make its move, the protective wolves intervened, leaping in to shield the girls with unwavering determination. There was something heartbreakingly courageous in the wolves' actions, as they fearlessly faced the unknown threat to safeguard Bella and Clara.
With astonishing swiftness, the creature clashed with the wolves, and in a desperate struggle, it was overpowered by the powerful jaws of the lupine guardians. The girls watched in awe and terror as the enigmatic being was vanquished, vanishing into the depths of a glowing lava fissure, leaving behind an unsettling image etched in their memories.
Gasping for breath and still shaken from their shared dream, Bella and Clara woke up simultaneously, their hearts racing with adrenaline and their minds reeling from the intensity of the experience. They clung to each other, seeking comfort in the reassurance of reality around them, profoundly grateful to have awakened from that eerie realm and to find each other safe and sound.