Annika continued to walk forward while the Everdark took her on a trip down memory lane. She smiled at the younger version of her father, admiring the mischievous glint in his eyes that seemed more pronounced. When the images moved to showcase another person, Annika paused to look more closely at the new person. They seemed familiar and not at the same time. She frowned, leaning closer until the images faded and a strange wooden hatch revealed itself at the end of the hall.

Annika glanced back behind her, waiting for Jack to appear to tell her this was some kind of test, or to go back to her room because this was something other. But her father taught her how to handle herself; surely this would be okay. Annika pressed forward, nearing the hatch with the strange glowing light. It felt warm, comforting even.

She sank to her knees, placing her hands onto the hatch where it continued to radiate warmth and pulse. If the hatch allowed itself, Annika would move to open it before talking herself out of it.