The Numen

Grant Summers is a perfectly ordinary 20-year-old Australian student, until he walks through his bedroom door and emerges in a bizarre, distorted labyrinth of a world with no way home. Surrounded by unnatural architecture and dangerous mythical creatures, he quickly discovers that he has unwittingly joined a community of similarly trapped people, some of whom have been there for centuries. Calling themselves the Forsaken, Grant is soon shown the upside to their situation - each of the Forsaken has been granted powerful, unique abilities beyond their wildest dreams.

But Grant is not alone in this world - he has a hitchhiker, living in his mind. The mysterious being seems to be the source of his new powers, and it warns Grant not to trust any of his newfound friends, for one of them is not what they seem.

Grant quickly learns that this world holds more than just magic and monsters. A secret lies at the heart of the maze, one that his fellow Forsaken have been desperately searching for - a door, one said to lead to power, wealth, and freedom for whoever finds it.

As he learns to master his powers, Grant is swept up in a deadly race to find the final door, with secrets and treachery lurking around every corner. He must decide who he can trust, who will betray him, and most importantly of all - does he dare to open the door?

[participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge]