Zaelek looked at him quietly for a moment before giving a single nod.
This time, as they walked toward the third gate together, neither of them let go.
From afar, the gate appeared just as massive and imposing as the ones before it.
Towering iron doors stretched high into the crimson sky, heavy enough to make the very ground beneath them feel insignificant.
And yet, the closer Akira got, the more he realized the small differences.
Intricate carvings of twisting vines sprawled across the surface, along with patterns that looked to be letters and sentences.
Thick roots spread across the lower half of the gate, disappearing into the black stone beneath their feet, with delicate flowers blooming between them.
Among the vines were countless apples. Some looked untouched and perfect. Others appeared split open, their insides rotting beneath swarms of insects.
Akira's gaze lingered on the details as they approached.
