The girl and the wolf wound their way through the ancient forest, guided through the darkness by instinct.
They broke through the tree line and found themselves in a clearing. Before the girl's eyes could adjust, she felt her animal companion jump to attention. Its midnight-black fur bristled as it sniffed its surroundings for a hint of what awaited them in this strange place. The air was thick with secrets. There was a shimmer just beneath the surface of everything.
Somewhere, an owl called out.
On the other side of the clearing, the land dropped off into a steep cliff. Even in the moonlight, the girl couldn't see the bottom.
The wolf let out a long, mournful howl.
A warm wind blew along the face of the cliff, carrying the sound across the ravine. There was no answer.
The sharp snap of a branch rang out like a shot, splintering the stillness around them. Something massive was moving through the brush behind them, obscured by shadow.
She stood at the edge of her reality, facing a choice: stay and face the dangers of this world, or leap blindly to another.
Mixed media Diorama
16x8x8"