The air felt thicker as we stood at the bottom of the staircase, staring at the massive stone door. It was covered in intricate carvings that pulsed faintly with an ancient energy I couldn't fully understand. But I could feel the crystal pulling me toward it, urging me to take the next step. I had never felt its power this intensely, like it was alive, aware of what lay ahead.
Zara crouched by the door, tracing the ancient symbols with her fingers, her brow furrowed in concentration. "There's powerful warding magic here," she murmured. "Whoever sealed this didn't want anyone getting in."
"Or anything getting out," Raven muttered under her breath, her eyes darting nervously around. She had been on edge since we descended into the depths of the sanctuary, and her distrust of the crystal—and me—was growing.
