Ronan, sensing Nina's decision, moves first. His massive form shields her as they cautiously approach the temple entrance. Each step is a calculated risk; the ground remains unstable, threatening to give way at any moment. The whispers intensify as they draw closer, coalescing into a cacophony of mocking laughter and guttural growls. The malevolent energy emanating from the temple feels almost tangible, pressing against them like a physical force. as they near the entrance, the air grows colder, the scent of decay intensifying. The shadows within the gaping maw seem to writhe and shift, as if something immense stirs within.
Rex whimpers, his hackles raised, pressing close to Nina's side. Ronan stops a few feet from the entrance, turning to Nina. He places a hand on her arm, a nonverbal communication of concern and warning. A low growl rumbles in his chest. He then points towards a section of the wall to the left of the main entrance, where a smaller, less damaged opening is partially concealed by overgrown vegetation. It's almost an afterthought, a subtle side entrance hidden in plain sight. The energy emanating from this opening is noticeable less potent than that radiating from the main entrance.
Nina feels a moment of doubt; the obvious path, the main entrance, seems to beckon with its malevolent energy. the unseen entity clearly wants her to enter through the main entrance. But Ronan's nonverbal warning is clear, and the subtle difference in energy emanating from the smaller opening is noticeable. The whispers from the main entrance grow louder, almost a taunting invitation. "So, the little monster breeder chooses the back way," a voice booms from within the main entrance. "Such cowardice is... disappointing." The voice holds a note of disappointment, but also a hint of something else - impatience.
Ronan subtly shifts his weight, indicating that the decision to take the side passage is now final. The decision is made, and the whispers seem to grow even more furious, the ground trembling under their feet. The path forward is unclear; yet the choice is made. What lies beyond the concealed entrance remains shrouded in mystery.