Story 467: The Wooden Gateway

As the heavy stone door slammed shut behind them, the team found themselves in a strange corridor. The walls were no longer made of bones and decayed stone but carved rock, polished smooth and glowing faintly under the soft light of a single lamp. Ahead of them stood a wooden door, its rounded frame nestled snugly into the stone. The aged wood was reinforced with metal bands, and the faint scent of cedar hung in the air.

“This doesn’t fit the rest of the catacombs,” Ghost observed, his voice low and cautious. He examined the door from a distance. “Too modern. Someone’s been here recently—or is still here.”

Viper ran her hand along the stone wall, her eyes scanning for traps. “Feels too quiet. I don’t trust it.”

Commander Rook stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the door. “Shadow, check for mechanisms. Ghost, cover her. Viper and Bulwark, hold the perimeter. If something comes through that stone door behind us, I want to know about it immediately.”