Story 427: The Forbidden Passage

The team stood before the ancient door, its sinister design etched deep into the crumbling stone. The carvings seemed to writhe in the flickering torchlight, skulls dangling ominously above as if warning all who dared approach.

“This isn’t just a door,” Shadow said, her voice low and steady, “it’s a challenge.”

Ghost stepped closer, running his gloved hand over the sigils engraved in the wood. “These symbols… they’re wards, but they’ve been tampered with. Something—or someone—has already tried to break through.”

Rook scanned the surroundings, his grip firm on his weapon. “We don’t have time to stand here guessing. Whatever’s inside could be the key to ending this nightmare. Viper, find us a way in.”

Viper knelt before the door, her blade sliding effortlessly into the ancient grooves. “The mechanism is old, but functional. It’ll take a moment to bypass—”