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The lock snapped into place
Gold dust spinning fate
The keys tremble, swallowing horror
At the knowledge of dwelling in the gate.

The gate dividing worlds
Keeping breaths from escaping
Drinking in her fire
She was left bare and shaking.

But her eyes gleamed at the memory
Of being safe, enclosed, warm
Of the pine, snow scent of belonging
Of returning back home.

So she pulled at the thread
Which was tethered to her soul
And followed the holy markings
To the world she called home.

Here, time had no name
No seconds passed, only heartbeats
So as she fell between the portals
Her blood roared like her heat.

She was falling too fast
Too rapid to glimpse at stars
But when a smile from above hit her
She slowed, realizing she wasn't that far.

Her eyes widened at the door
Which led to her rivers, mountains and seas
Her lips parted in awe
At something she might never again have seen.

The water and fire in her thrashed
As they formed the knot of power
The last deceit, her savior
Bound home to her core forever.

She leaped through the arrow gap
As the door closed for eternity
Her breaths ragged and shallow
She landed in the warm arms of home, learning true peace.

—  Manya