As they approached the heart of the Hollow, the temperature dropped, and a faint, ghostly light began to filter through the trees. The ground beneath their feet shifted, as if the forest were alive and watching their every move.
Suddenly, the path ended at a massive stone archway, covered in glowing runes that pulsed with a faint, rhythmic hum.
"This must be it," Danny said, stepping closer to examine the runes. "A barrier. Lydia's way of keeping uninvited guests out."
Raymond raised an eyebrow. "You call this 'keeping people out'? Looks more like an invitation to die."
Danny ignored him, his fingers brushing over the glowing symbols. "These runes... they're a test. A way to prove ourselves worthy."
"Great," Raymond muttered. "Let me guess. It's going to be something dangerous."
Before Danny could reply, the runes flared to life, and a deep, otherworldly voice echoed from the archway.