magisternihil's 100-word story for February 9, 2026

magisternihil wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on February 9, 2026. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

“Wait!” Noc shot an arm out, stopping Sim. “There doesn’t seem to be any other option, Noc,” he said. “There’s always another option,” said Noc, touching the scar across her cheek. “Always.” She narrowed her eyes and scanned the area. Sim stood impatient, gesturing at the clearly open doorway wordlessly. Finally, Noc barked in triumph. She shot her had into the undergrowth and pulled at a barely visible ring. A hatch easily glided open. “This way,” she said. Sim heard a distant roar from the path he would have chosen and dove in after her as it silently slid shut.

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