Beyond

Trespassing

One fateful afternoon, Piper stumbles upon a peculiar reference to an ancient oak tree, whispered to be older than time itself and located somewhere deep within the forests of Stirling. It was said to be twisted and eerie, surrounded by an aura of magic that had been spoken of in hushed tones by locals for generations. This immediately makes her think of that beautiful and ancient oak she came across the other day in her ride. It didn't escape her mind the flashback of that wolf, curiosity sparked in her mind with the possibility of ever seeing it again.

Intrigued by the lore, Piper felt an irresistible pull, a magnetic force drawing her closer to the mysterious tree. Ignoring the warning signs of the local townsfolk who spoke of eerie sightings and strange occurrences near the oak, Piper was set on returning to this legendary landmark. She felt a tingling sense of adventure, as if the oak tree held the key to a world beyond her wildest imaginings.

Navigating through dense woodland, she followed a faint trail, feeling as though she was stepping into the pages of her beloved ancient tales. As the twilight casts a magical glow over the forest, she finally reaches the oak tree—ancient, majestic, and imbued with an aura that sent shivers down her spine. In awe of the tree's twisted branches that seemed to reach out like fingers, Piper couldn't shake the feeling that she had stumbled upon something far greater than she could have ever imagined. A strange energy emanated from the tree, captivating her senses, as she reaches out to touch its gnarled bark.

As her fingers grazed the ancient wood, the world around her seemed to blur and distort. Colours swirled and the drafts of air became more powerful and relentless, as if warning her of what's ahead. She felt as though she was being pulled through an invisible veil.

Startled and bewildered, Piper stumbles back, her heart pounding in her chest. What had just happened? Had she imagined it all? But the tingling sensation that lingered on her fingertips told her otherwise. Despite her trepidation, Piper's curiosity was piqued. Determined to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrence, she returned to the oak tree day after day, hoping to unlock its secrets. Each time she approached, she could feel the air charged with an otherworldly energy, and she couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to the tree than met the eye.

In her relentless pursuit, Piper began to notice patterns in the tree's behaviour. During certain phases of the moon, the tree seemed to emit an ethereal glow, and on particularly stormy nights, a low hum resonated from within its ancient core. It was as if the tree was alive, whispering ancient tales to anyone who would listen.

As she continued her research, Piper stumbled upon enigmatic references in the university library. Vague allusions to portals and other realms hidden within the folds of time. The vivid image of Professor Hawthorne in the lecture hall makes its way into her mind. Her heart quickened with excitement, for she couldn't help but wonder if the twisted oak tree might be a gateway to another world—one steeped in myth and legend.

Despite her excitement, Piper hesitated to share her discoveries with anyone. She knew that revealing her findings would likely invite skepticism and ridicule from her peers. Instead, she kept her quest a secret, delving deeper into the mysteries of the tree and the possibility of other realms.

One evening, drawn by an inexplicable urge, Piper found herself standing before the twisted oak tree as the full moon bathed the forest in a silvery glow. It was then that she saw it—a faint shimmering light surrounding the tree, barely visible to the naked eye. With trepidation and excitement warring within her, Piper reached out and touched the shimmering light. The moment her hand made contact, a rush of energy surged through her body, and she felt as if she was being pulled.

Piper's heart pounded in her chest as she stumbled through the swirling mist of the portal. As she emerged on the other side, her surroundings were as if nothing had happened, it made her doubt of her own sanity. However, the air was charged with magic, and the scent of earth and pine filled her senses.