The Van Helsing Conjecture – Excerpt No. 148

5 February 2025

Clara approached as much as she dared. Whatever this phenomenon was, there was no need to open the door. The doorway to the Terminus was damaged and effectively locked open.

Five…

Silver was counting, and Clara prepared for the countdown.

Four…

Clara tightened the straps on her backpack.

Three…

Clara slowed her heart and took a deep breath.

Two…

She exhaled, and calmed her heart.

Now!

a highly detailed, cinematic photograph of a European woman in her mid-30s, dressed in worn, earth-toned hiking gear, including a weathered backpack, scuffed boots, and a faded utility jacket, with a look of curiosity and discovery on her face, her bright blue eyes fixed intently on the glowing attic hatch at her feet, set amidst the crumbling, ivy-covered ruins of a centuries-old cathedral, with stone walls cracked and worn, stained glass windows shattered, and ornate carvings worn smooth, the warm afternoon sunlight casting deep shadows and illuminating the scene with a sense of adventure and mystery, as the glowing hatch, surrounded by a halo of soft, pulsing electric blue light, seems to emanate an otherworldly energy, drawing the viewer's eye inexorably towards its center.

Disclaimer: This novel is an work in progress and readers may encounter grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Please view this a draft and not a published work.