The guards finished their preparations. The space within the archway began to shift subtly.
Serena stepped aside and gestured forward.
"Stay close," she said.
Spartan adjusted his grip on Michael and stepped toward the gate.
Lily followed.
Beginning brought up the rear.
Once the portal stabilized, none of them hesitated as they stepped into the gate.
The sensation of movement vanished abruptly.
One moment, they were passing through the gate.
The next, they were standing inside a sealed space.
It was a wide chamber carved from pale stone and living wood, smooth and undecorated. The ceiling arched naturally overhead, supported by thick roots that had been shaped rather than cut. Small openings provided light, but there were no windows. No visible exits.
The air was still and heavy, carrying the faint scent of earth and sap.
The gate behind them was inactive.
The change was immediate.
