Crimson Moonlight

XXVI. The Hidden Temple

Leaving a note for Hyerin explaining our sudden departure was one of the hardest things I had to do. She'd been our constant support, and now I was asking her to trust us to handle this alone. I hoped she'd understand and not worry too much.

"Are you ready?" Sunghoon asked softly, standing at the door, his hand extended toward me.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yes, let's go."

Sunghoon's grip was firm and reassuring as we walked out of the apartment and into the night. The weight of our mission was heavy, but being together made it bearable. We knew that finding the hidden temple was crucial to our quest, and there was no turning back now.

The drive was long and silent, the only sounds the hum of the engine and the rustle of the wind against the car. Sunghoon's presence beside me was comforting, and every so often, he'd glance over, his eyes filled with concern and determination.

"We'll find it," he said softly, as if reading my thoughts. "And we'll be careful."

I smiled, squeezing his hand. "I know. I trust you."

The journey led us deep into the mountains, where the air was crisp and the stars shone brightly in the clear sky. We parked the car and continued on foot, guided by the ancient map Sunghoon had deciphered.

The path was rugged and treacherous, but Sunghoon's vampire strength made it easier for him to navigate. He helped me over obstacles, his touch gentle yet strong. Every step brought us closer to our goal, and my heart pounded with anticipation.

After hours of hiking, we finally reached a secluded valley. Hidden among the trees and rocks was the entrance to the temple. It was an ancient structure, its stone walls covered in moss and vines, almost blending into the natural landscape.

"We're here," Sunghoon whispered, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. "Stay close to me."

I nodded, my heart racing. "I will."

We approached the temple cautiously, the air thick with an eerie silence. The entrance was marked by a large stone door, covered in intricate carvings and symbols. Sunghoon examined it closely, his fingers tracing the patterns.

"This is it," he said softly. "The hidden temple."

"How do we get inside?" I asked, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"There's usually a mechanism or a puzzle," Sunghoon replied, his eyes narrowing as he studied the carvings. "We just have to figure it out."

We spent several minutes examining the door, trying to decipher the symbols and their meanings. It felt like a complex puzzle, designed to keep intruders out. My mind raced, trying to piece together the clues.

"Look," I said suddenly, pointing to a series of symbols that seemed to form a pattern. "These symbols... they look like they could be part of a sequence."

Sunghoon followed my gaze, his eyes lighting up with realization. "You're right. Let's try it."

Together, we pressed the symbols in the sequence we believed was correct. At first, nothing happened, but then there was a soft rumbling sound. The stone door slowly creaked open, revealing a dark passageway beyond.

"You did it," Sunghoon said, his voice filled with pride. "Let's go."

We stepped inside, the air cool and musty. The passageway was narrow and dark, lit only by the faint glow of Sunghoon's eyes. He held my hand tightly, guiding me through the darkness.

As we ventured deeper into the temple, we encountered various traps and obstacles designed to deter intruders. Sunghoon's vampire senses were invaluable, allowing us to avoid hidden pitfalls and deadly traps. He moved with grace and precision, always keeping me close.