Chapter 43
The structure stood silent in front of them.
Tall stone walls rose into the cold sky, covered in ancient markings that glowed faintly under the dim light. The carvings looked old, far older than anything Ariana had seen before, and they seemed to shift slightly when she looked at them for too long.
The entrance was wide and dark, like an open mouth waiting for them.
Ariana slowed her steps as they approached.
Her chest felt tight again.
Not from fear.
From something else she could not fully explain.
"This place feels different," she said quietly.
Kael nodded as he studied the structure.
"It feels like it is watching us."
Ariana let out a small breath.
"That is not comforting."
Kael glanced at her.
"It is not supposed to be."
They stopped a few steps away from the entrance.
The air around them felt heavier now. The wind that had followed them across the mountain was gone, and everything felt too still, like the world itself was holding its breath.
