ou are in danger if you stay here.”

Jessica Hoshi awoke from a dreamless sleep to the muffled sounds of people shouting and a dull distant pounding and thumping. She blinked and looked up at the arched shadowy ceiling of an unfamiliar place. The dull gray stone floor was covered in a heavy dust and the air was chalky and stale. Jessica noticed she was wearing her jeans, favorite shirt and jacket from yesterday’s trip to the Tall Ship Tour at the Lakeshore Promenade.

Another girl stood only a few yards away. She wore a mask and cowl that covered her head except for her eyes. The silvery hilt of a vicious-looking sword was visible over her right shoulder and her cape reached nearly to the floor. Behind her was an enormous wooden door with brightly burning sconces on either side. The flames made a thick sound as they slowly flickered in the cool murky gloom. Other sounds could be heard from behind the door. They were faint, but to Jessica they sounded like trapped people trying to get out.

“Who are you?”

“This will serve no good purpose,” the shrouded girl said. Jessica heard a rustling sound from above. She glanced up and caught a quicksilver gleam from the black eyes of a large falcon watching them both.

Jessica moved closer to the door, anxious to hear exactly what the sound was. She wasn’t certain, but the faint sound of shrieking was almost clearly audible.

“That’s far enough.” The masked girl’s voice was sharp with authority and a slight tone of hostility. Her cape and armor were jet black, and deep purple gemstones gleamed from the edges of her sword’s hilt. She glared at Jessica.

“What’s the matter? Why are they crying!? What’s happening to them!?” Jessica said, now sure she could hear the sounds of people trying to escape from the other side of the heavy wooden door.

“It is too dangerous for you to remain here. You must leave.”

“I have to help them! They’re scared! Can’t you hear?!”

“You can’t help them.”

“But I can’t listen to them scream like that and not do something! How can you be so cruel?” Jessica’s voice took on an accusatory tone. The girl did not answer. “What are you doing here if you aren’t going to help those poor people!”

“Protecting you.”

Jessica lunged for the door handle, but the shrouded girl caught her by the arm and shoulder and shoved her back.

“This doorway leads to your death,” the girl said. Her eyes were as dire as her warning.

The sound from the other side was nearly deafening.

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