The air around us felt thick, like breathing through heavy fog. Every step deeper into the corridor made the weight on my chest grow. The pull of the crystal within me was almost unbearable now, each throb syncing with my heartbeat. The darkness wasn't just a lack of light; it was alive, swallowing the sound of our footsteps and breathing in a way that made me feel as though we were moving through something sentient, waiting.
We reached the end of the corridor, a massive stone archway carved with runes and symbols I couldn't fully understand. Zara ran her fingers along the engravings, muttering to herself. I could sense her awe and curiosity, but also a thin thread of fear weaving through her thoughts. She was always the one pushing forward, eager to uncover the unknown, but even she seemed hesitant now.
"This is it," she whispered, turning to me. "The final trial."
