Wanderer -

“Alright, Wanderer,” she said to the purple valley. “Let’s see who lives down there.”

She knew it was a trick. She’d read stories of fae portals, mind-fever cacti, the Siren’s Gullet. This was a test. The Wanderer in her screamed to turn around, to find the real path, the authentic hardship. But another part—a part she’d buried under miles and sunburns—whispered: What if it’s not? Wanderer

She pressed her palm to the cool surface. It gave way like water, and she stumbled through. “Alright, Wanderer,” she said to the purple valley