Darin wasn't supposed to go into the attic.
His grandfather always said it was off-limits. It was dark, dusty, and full of old things. But today, the attic door was open just a little. Darin's curiosity was too strong.
He stepped inside slowly. The wooden floor creaked under his shoes. Sunlight came through a small round window, making the dust float like tiny stars. Boxes, books, and strange tools were everywhere.
Then he saw it—a small wooden box on a shelf.
He opened it carefully.
Inside was a pocket watch. It looked really old. The glass was cracked, and the hands didn't move. Strange symbols were carved on the cover. Even though it looked broken, something about it felt… special.
Darin picked it up.
Click.
The watch glowed softly.
Tick.
Then, everything started spinning. The attic, the shelves, even the light—it all swirled around him like a storm.
Then—silence.
When Darin opened his eyes, he was no longer in the attic.
He stood in a long hallway made of stone and metal. The walls had floating blue lights. Giant gears turned behind glass windows. The air smelled like old machines.
Suddenly, he heard a sound.
Clink. Clank. Clink.
A golden owl made of metal landed nearby. Its eyes glowed like tiny lanterns.
It looked at Darin and said, "You're late."