Gemotions

"This isn't real," choked out Sarah, her hands trembling as she stared at the shimmering portal that had manifested in the centre of the room. Her brother, Ben, had inherited their parents’ vast collection of rare books. A world of safety. She, on the other hand, had this... this impossible gateway.

The solicitor, a short man with twitchy eyes, had explained that the portal led to… well, to anywhere. To any time. To any dimension. She didn't want anywhere. She wanted her old life back. The air crackled with an unseen energy, and a high-pitched whine filled her ears.

Ben's face was a mask of placid boredom, as if he knew something she didn't. Her breath hitched in her throat as she saw a shifting shape on the other side. She took a step back.