Under Malus’ touch, the wall ignited.
Engravings, previously invisible, lit up in flames, crawling over the stone’s smooth surface in a mesmerising web of runes and arts unfamiliar to Kalliope. Something groaned under the mountain, a heavy creaking that could only be triggered by ancient gears. Finally, the stone gave, pulling apart at the middle by seams so perfectly fit together there was a gentle puff of steam escaping as the door opened. The heat coming from beyond those doors was a blessing, and Kalliope was so distracted, she forgot about how strange Malus’ hand had appeared to be moments ago.
The one he extended to her looked just as normal as she knew it, and Kalliope was too dumbfounded to do anything other than reaching for it and let him lead her inside this secret cavern.
I
