As evening fell, Sunghoon and I made our way through the winding streets towards the old cathedral. The city seemed to change around us, the bustling urban landscape giving way to a quieter, more ancient atmosphere as we approached our destination. The cathedral loomed ahead, its Gothic architecture casting long, eerie shadows in the dim light.
"Are you sure about this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as we neared the entrance.
Sunghoon nodded, his expression resolute. "This is our best lead. If the artifact is really here, we need to find it before they do."
We entered the cathedral through a side door, the creak of the old hinges echoing through the empty space. Inside, the air was cool and filled with the faint scent of incense. The vast interior was dimly lit by flickering candlelight, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls.
"Stay close," Sunghoon murmured, leading the way down a narrow corridor towards the back of the cathedral.
We moved cautiously, our footsteps barely making a sound on the worn stone floor. Sunghoon carried the ancient journal, occasionally glancing at the cryptic notes and drawings that filled its pages. As we reached a heavy wooden door, he paused, studying the markings on the frame.
"This should be it," he said, pushing the door open with a gentle shove.
The door creaked open to reveal a steep staircase descending into darkness. I hesitated for a moment, a shiver running down my spine, but Sunghoon's presence beside me gave me the courage to continue.
We descended the stairs, the air growing colder and damper with each step. At the bottom, we found ourselves in a narrow, dimly lit tunnel. The walls were lined with ancient carvings and symbols, their meanings lost to time.
"This place feels... different," I whispered, glancing around nervously.
"It's old magic," Sunghoon explained quietly. "The kind that's been forgotten by most. Be careful, Eunchae."
We continued down the tunnel, the silence oppressive and heavy. After what felt like an eternity, the tunnel opened up into a small chamber. In the center of the room stood an ornate pedestal, and atop it rested a small, intricately carved box.
"That's it," Sunghoon said, his voice filled with awe. "The artifact."
We approached the pedestal slowly, the air around us seeming to hum with energy. Sunghoon reached out to lift the box, but as his fingers touched it, a bright light erupted from the pedestal, blinding us momentarily.
"What's happening?" I exclaimed, shielding my eyes.
"It's a protective barrier," Sunghoon said, his voice tense. "It's reacting to us."
The light began to fade, revealing a ghostly figure standing before us. It was a woman, her form ethereal and shimmering. She looked ancient, her eyes filled with wisdom and sadness.
"Who dares disturb this sacred place?" she asked, her voice echoing through the chamber.
"We mean no harm," Sunghoon said, stepping forward. "We seek the artifact to protect it from those who would misuse its power."
The figure studied us for a moment, her expression unreadable. "The artifact is not meant for the unworthy. Prove your intentions, and you may take it."
"How do we prove ourselves?" I asked, my heart pounding.
The ghostly woman extended her hand, and a small, glowing orb appeared in her palm. "You must pass a trial. This orb will test your hearts and your bond. Only then will you be deemed worthy."
YOU ARE READING
Crimson Moonlight
Vampire❝I don't know what I got myself into, but I'm not complaining. The best idea I have had by far was to stick with you, until the very end.❞
