Thud!
The door shuddered as something heavy slammed against it, rattling the bookshelves stacked against the entrance. Dust rained from their spines, and the sofa keeping everything in place groaned under the pressure.
The pounding continued, relentless and rhythmic, dragging the furniture inch by inch across the floor.
Startled awake, those closest to the door scrambled to reinforce the blockade, shoving against the skidding sofa with all their might.
THUD!
The impact was stronger this time—too strong. The door buckled inward, and for a fleeting second, a jagged crack yawned open, revealing only darkness beyond.
Lanling's stomach twisted. "Step back! Don't get caught!" he tried to warn them, but the restriction held him, and he could only whisper.
