The Frozen Gate opened with a deafening groan, its massive doors grinding against each other as they parted. The air that spilled out from beyond was unlike anything we'd felt before—not cold, but unnervingly still, as if sound and life itself were swallowed by the void.
The Heartseed pulsed faintly in my hands, its light flickering like a hesitant flame. Though its glow was usually a source of reassurance, now it felt muted, uncertain.
"Whatever's in there, it's not going to welcome us," Ember said, her voice steady despite the faint trembling in her flames.
"Then we won't ask for permission," Silvermane replied, her wolves flanking her as she stepped forward. "We've come too far to stop now."
Dren tightened his grip on his sword, his jaw set. "Stay close. No telling what might happen once we step inside."
