Chapter 5659

Jared and Sylvia approached the stone gate, their footsteps echoing in a hush that felt like a chapel.

Up close, the surface was glass-smooth, unmarked by rune or word-an obstinate slab of eternity.

Jared planted his palms and shoved. Muscles corded, breath hissed; nothing.

Sylvia laid her hand upon the rock. Without a sound, the gate parted like polite servants, rolling aside.

Why would it open for her and not for me? Jared was shocked.

“Why?” Jared asked, eyes still wide.

“Maybe,” Sylvia said with a playful shrug, “the gate just prefers women.”