With Ominis at her side, offering silent support, and Sebastian walking just a step behind, his emotions simmering beneath the surface, the trio pressed forward.
The three gathered around the birdbath, the fireflies' glow casting a soft light on their faces. The air was thick with anticipation as they stared at the circular stone door, waiting for what would happen next.
Mary took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto the strange markings etched into the stone. She could feel a slight tremor in the ground beneath her, as if the very earth was holding its breath alongside them.
"Well, here goes nothing," she muttered, more to herself than to the others. With a clear voice, she spoke the words Richard had given them: "Intra muros."
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a low rumble, the circular stone door began to vibrate. Dust and small rocks fell from its surface as ancient mechanisms creaked to life. The engraved symbols along the door's edge glowed faintly, pulsing with a light that matched the rhythm of their own heartbeats. Slowly, the stone parted from the rock, revealing a passageway that led deep into the earth.
"Merlin's beard..." Sebastian whispered, unable to tear his eyes away from the now-open door.
"Impressive," Ominis added, though his tone was laced with cautious skepticism. "Let's just hope whatever's behind that door is worth the trouble."
Mary couldn't help but smile, feeling a mix of excitement and dread. "Well, no turning back now," she said, stepping closer to the entrance.
Sebastian nodded, his usual bravado tempered by a hint of wariness. "Whatever's in there, we're ready for it. We didn't come this far to stop now."
Ominis, ever the voice of reason, placed a hand on Mary's shoulder. "Just be careful. We still don't know what killed Richard, or what else might be waiting for us inside."
Mary gave him a reassuring nod. "I know. But we have each other, and that's more than enough." She looked at both of them, her gaze steady. "Let's do this together."
With a shared glance, the three of them stepped forward, moving as one toward the open passageway
As they entered, a blinding light poured out from within, revealing a vast cavern bathed in a warm, natural glow. The ceiling stretched high above them, glimmering faintly with what appeared to be clusters of glowing crystals embedded in the rock.
The walls were lined with twisting vines, their leaves shimmering as if kissed by sunlight, even in this hidden place. A gentle breeze swept through the cave, carrying the scent of earth and fresh water, making it feel almost alive. The stone door began to close behind them with a low, echoing thud, sealing them within the vast, glowing expanse.
YOU ARE READING
KEEP IT, LOSE IT (HOGWARTS LEGACY FANFICTION)
ФанфикOne evening, Ominis was on his way to the undercraft. He and Sebastian had planned to spend the night there to study, including Mary, but unfortunately she had to miss it because of her tasks with Professor Fig. What surprise was Ominis going to get...
