The four of them stepped into the space beyond the gate.
A pungent, metallic stench rushed to meet them, thick and nauseating, making Serein's head spin. She quickly covered her nose, trying to block the smell before it could sink deeper into her senses.
Elias released her hand. Seeing the faint grimace on her face, his voice softened.
"You'll get used to it soon."
Serein nodded, forcing herself to steady her breath and suppress the creeping fear that had begun to stir within her—an echo from the past she wished she could silence.
Zane narrowed his eyes, scanning the surroundings.
The gate had opened into what looked like the ruins of an ancient structure. The air was damp and heavy, droplets of water clinging to moss-covered walls. The darkness was almost complete, broken only by the dim flicker of torches lodged unevenly into the stone.
"There are signs of life," Zane murmured, his sharp gaze sweeping every shadow.
