[Meghnad's POV]
The archway loomed before us, its intricate carvings of serpentine figures glowing faintly with an otherworldly light. The air beyond shimmered, as though reality itself warped and twisted in defiance of natural laws. Each step closer sent a faint vibration through the ground, like a heartbeat growing louder.
Anjali kept her bow at the ready, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Griffin, standing behind us, let out a low rumble, his wings folding neatly against his sides. The battle had taken its toll, but the bond between rider and beast was unshaken.
"Do you feel that?" she asked, her voice softer now, almost reverent.
I nodded. "It's as if the air is alive. This is no ordinary gate. It's infused with… something ancient."
"Great. Another trap, probably," she muttered. Despite her words, she matched my pace, her confidence unwavering.
