Chapter 1:The echoes of eternity

Maria had always been alone in the forest. She had grown accustomed to the silence, the trees, and the creatures that lived among them. But on this particular day, something felt different.

As she wandered through the forest, she heard a faint humming noise. It was soft and melodic, but it sent shivers down her spine. Maria stopped in her tracks, listening intently. The humming grew louder, and she felt an strange energy emanating from it.

Suddenly, the trees around her began to glow with a soft, ethereal light. Maria's heart racing, she took a step back, unsure of what was happening. The humming noise grew louder still, and the light intensified, illuminating a path through the trees.

Maria felt an inexplicable pull, as if she was being drawn towards the light. She took another step forward, and then another, her feet seemingly moving of their own accord.

As she walked, the trees grew taller and the light grew brighter. Maria felt herself being pulled into a vortex, a swirling tunnel of color and sound. She stumbled, her feet losing their footing, and fell into the unknown.

Everything went black.

When Maria came to, she found herself in a vast, cavernous space. The walls were made of a glittering crystal, and the air was filled with a sweet, musical hum. She sat up, looking around in wonder.

And that's when she saw it. A massive, ancient-looking door, adorned with strange symbols and markings. The door was covered in dust and vines, and it looked like it hadn't been opened in centuries.

Maria felt a shiver run down her spine. What was this place? And what lay beyond the door?

She slowly got to her feet, her eyes fixed on the door. She felt a strange connection to it, as if it was calling to her. Without thinking, she reached out and touched the door.

It swung open with a creak, revealing a dark and mysterious passageway. Maria hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should investigate. But her curiosity got the better of her, and she stepped through the doorway.

As she walked down the passageway, the air grew colder and the darkness seemed to press in around her. Maria couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps echoing through the passageway. They were heavy and deliberate, and they seemed to be getting closer. Maria's heart racing, she spun around, trying to see who or what was making the noise.

But there was nothing there. The footsteps stopped, and the passageway was silent once again. Maria let out a breath, wondering if she had imagined the whole thing.

But then, she heard a voice. It was low and raspy, and it seemed to be coming from all around her.

"Welcome, Maria," the voice said. "I have been waiting for you."

Maria spun around, trying to see who was speaking. But there was no one in sight.

"Who are you?" she called out, her voice shaking slightly.

There was no answer. But Maria could feel eyes upon her, boring into her skin. She knew that she was not alone in the passageway.

And then, everything went black once again.

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