A quick glance over my shoulder showed the doorway was half the size it had been. Despite the chill in the air, sweat beaded on my forehead, and I swiped it away impatiently. Then, it clicked. I had been too caught up in searching for the similarities that I hadn't realized the answer was in the differences. Placed throughout the runes were symbols that held none of the same angles, lines, or curves.
I twisted the outer circle, matching up symbols that held no relation. Even with this discovery, there could be any number of combinations, but I had to try. The grinding stone behind me told me I was rapidly running out of time. I paired the symbols, closed my eyes, and sent a silent prayer up to every corner of the universe. With tense muscles, I pushed and nearly cried when the lid gave way.
Not wasting a breath, I snatched a cloth-wrapped item from inside. It was like someone struck me in the chest as my I clutched it in my fist, but I didn't have time to dwell on it. I started up the steep path as the stone door descended above. The moisture in these walls and stones had been no accident of nature. It was just one more safeguard to keep the unwanted from getting a treasure that was not meant to leave these depths.
Gritting my teeth, I used one hand to scrabble at the wall on the left to help pull me up. My muscles burned as I drew in quick breaths, struggling, eyes locked on the shrinking gap. A cry left my lips as a foot slid out from under me, earning me a sharp crack on the knee. Ignoring the pain, I tapped into a reserve of strength deep within me, pushing my legs until they felt like they would snap from the pressure.
I wasn't going to make it.
YOU ARE READING
The Cursed Key
FantasyA forgotten past, a dark mage, and an unyielding curse. Another team beat free-spirited archaeologist Olivia Perez to the dig of a lifetime, and now she's left with the choice to wait for scraps or brave a dangerous, dusty tomb in hopes of finding o...
