Story 484: The Inferno Vault

The air in the chamber thickened, the flickering firelight casting long, distorted shadows across the brick walls. The team stood still, the gravity of the moment sinking in. The archways surrounding them seemed to pulse with energy, as if the room itself was alive and eager for their decision.

The Velvet Abyss loomed at the far end of the chamber, swirling with tendrils of black flame that licked the edges of the archway. The warmth of the golden couch felt almost deceptive now, a cruel juxtaposition to the cold sweat forming on their brows.

Rook clenched his fists, stepping closer to the two keys laid on the table in the center of the room. “Shadow, Viper—describe your keys again. Every detail matters.”

Shadow held up the obsidian key. “Black as night. Carved with precision, sharp edges. Cold to the touch. Feels... unnatural, like it’s rejecting me.”