The golden light of the portal didn't just fade; it seemed to dry out, turning into a fine, white powder that stung my eyes the moment we crossed the threshold. The transition felt like being rubbed head-to-toe with sandpaper.
"Ugh, I've got salt in my teeth," Red coughed, spitting onto a ground that was so white it was physically painful to look at. She squinted, shielding her eyes with her hand. "Ren, remind me why we didn't pick the Candy-Land floor? Because this is definitely not chocolate."
"Because the Tower picks the path, Red," I said, blinking rapidly to clear my vision. "And right now, the Tower wants us seasoned."
