The vortex grabbed Vix the moment she touched it, wrapping itself around her feet and suctioning her deeper inside. She whirled around and around, her eyes half-shut, feeling like a toy in a dog’s mouth, shaken wildly back and forth.

The pull on her body became stronger as she sank further into the vortex. She was pulled toward the center, faster and faster, the world around her a green and black blur. Vix only had a moment to suck in a deep breath. Then she reached the very ...