The Pit and the Pulsing Lake
In the controlled city of Adria, where life is dictated by the Royal and Security, teens are confined to Hassen Boarding School, deemed 'dysfunctional.' But when a daring race outside the bubble leads to the discovery of a mysterious pit, one spontaneous leap plunges a group of friends into a hidden world beneath the surface, a world of glowing lakes, fire cults, and unsettling magic.
The burning in your lungs finally eases as you slow to a stop. Ahead, the transparent bubble of Adria shimmers, a beacon of safety after the frantic race.
"Ha! I beat you!" you manage to gasp out, turning to see Ajax jogging through the barrier, leaning on a tree, looking as exhausted as you feel.
"For the record, I did give you a good twenty second head start," he replies, leaning against the tree, catching his breath.
"Whatever," you say, a triumphant grin on your face despite the ache in your legs. "All that matters is that I beat you, and now you have to—"
