Lirien's heart racing, she hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. The others followed, their eyes fixed on the glowing portal.
As they drew closer, the voice whispered again, its tone gentle but insistent. "Come closer, and you shall uncover the secrets of the ancient ones."
The portal began to shimmer and ripple, as if the energy was being manipulated by an unseen force. Lirien felt a strange sensation, as if she was being pulled apart and put back together again.
Suddenly, they found themselves standing in a vast, dimly lit chamber filled with rows of ancient artifacts and mysterious devices. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and dust.
A figure emerged from the shadows, tall and imposing. Its features were obscured by a hood, but Lirien could sense a deep wisdom emanating from it.
"Welcome, seekers," the figure said in a voice that echoed through the chamber. "I have been waiting for you. I am Kaelin, the Guardian of the Portal."
Kaelin's eyes gleamed with an otherworldly light as it beckoned them forward. "Come, let me show you the secrets of the ancient ones."
As they followed Kaelin deeper into the chamber, Lirien felt a sense of wonder and trepidation. What secrets lay hidden here? And what was Kaelin's true purpose?