I heard rumors of magic linking tunnels together to allow for traveling between realms in minutes or hours compared to the days or weeks it would otherwise take. There was no other explanation for it, I realized as we emerged into afternoon light from a wide opening in the mouth of the cave to a dense forest lush with evergreen trees, their earthly scents assaulting my nose and mouth. A welcome but overpowering change from the daily smells of the compound.

One Dark Kiss