Story 426: The Cursed Threshold

The ominous door loomed before the team, its intricate carvings radiating an unsettling energy. Skulls adorned the archway, dangling like grotesque ornaments, their hollow eyes seeming to track the intruders. Torches on either side of the entrance flickered with unnatural flames, casting eerie shadows that danced across the ancient stonework.

“This is it,” Shadow whispered, scanning the area with her rifle. “The source of all the corruption we’ve encountered so far.”

Ghost crouched near the steps, examining the ground. “No footprints, no signs of anyone entering or leaving. Whatever’s behind this door doesn’t need to use it like we do.”

Viper leaned against one of the wooden beams barring the door, running her fingers over the ancient symbols etched into the surface. “These marks… they’re wards, but they’re not meant to keep us out. They’re meant to keep something in.”