I found myself back inside the pocket space with Lily, who looked like she had been waiting for me. Her massive head lowered slightly as her golden eyes locked onto mine.
"You have grown stronger," she said, her voice deep and calm.
I nodded. "I just wanted to be as prepared as possible."
She tilted her head slightly, considering my words. "Are you ready?"
"I am," I replied with quiet certainty.
"Alright then," she said. "I wish you luck."
Lily turned her long, serpentine body toward the large door behind her. I stepped aside to give her space. Two narrow beams of light shot out from her eyes, hitting the sealed doors directly. A network of glowing runes lit up on the surface of the stone, coming alive one by one like the gears of a massive clock slowly turning.
Click by click, the runes unraveled.
With a low groan, the ancient doors began to open, the sound echoing through the chamber like grinding stone.
"Hurry," Lily said firmly. "I won't open it completely."
