Story 470: The Doorway of No Return

The wooden door swung shut behind the team with a deafening thud, sealing them into a narrow corridor of raw stone. The air was damp, thick with the earthy scent of moss and decay. At the far end of the corridor, another door stood, nearly identical to the first, but this one was more ornate—its surface adorned with carvings of twisting vines and ominous faces.

“We’re locked in,” Viper said, testing the door behind them. “No turning back now.”

Shadow moved to examine the new door, her flashlight casting erratic beams of light across the carvings. “This one’s different,” she murmured. “The symbols are… reactive.” As she traced a finger over one of the faces, its eyes glowed faintly, and a faint hum filled the air.

Rook stepped forward. “We don’t have time to admire the craftsmanship. Shadow, can you figure it out?”

“I think so,” she replied, pulling out her notebook. “But this door is more than just a lock. It’s a test.”