The runes on the door flared to life, and it creaked open, releasing a sudden gust of icy wind that slammed into Grey's face.
Instinctively, he raised an arm to shield his eyes, the bitter cold biting at his exposed skin.
A freezing blizzard poured out from the doorway, carrying with it a flurry of snowflakes and an ominous chill. The warmth of the cave was gone in an instant.
Lowering his arm slightly, Grey squinted through the swirling snow.
Beyond the threshold, he saw a dense forest blanketed in white.
The trees were frozen solid, their branches coated in shimmering ice, and snow fell relentlessly, creating a near-whiteout.
Taking a steadying breath, Grey stepped forward.
His boot sank slightly into the thick, powdery snow, the crunch underfoot echoing faintly in the stillness.
As he crossed the threshold, the door slammed shut behind him with a thunderous clang.
