Sarra was just as puzzled.
She was, after all, within the grounds of Crossbridge Academy.
How could there possibly be any danger here?
As she took another step forward, her body reacted before her mind could catch up, instinctively flipping backward.
She landed gracefully, but her heart pounded in her chest as she stared at the spot where she had just been standing.
A thin, vine-like strip of paper had lashed out from a willow tree, striking the ground where her feet had been.
If not for her body's reflexes, Sarra was certain she would have been struck down.
Her heart raced, adrenaline surging as she replayed the near-miss in her mind.
"I warned you not to get too close," Ryze said, approaching with a look of exasperation. "Why didn't you listen? At least you're unharmed..."
"What is this place? Why did the tree attack me?" Sarra asked, still catching her breath.