**Winter's POV**
As Enzo and I stood before the gates of the Elders, my heart pounded with anticipation and dread. The gates seemed to hum with ancient energy, their imposing presence a testament to the history and secrets they guarded. Enzo's voice broke the heavy silence, his tone grave. "What's inside... it's sickening."
I glanced at him, lines of tension etching his features. "If it's the only way to get where we need to go, then I don't care," I replied firmly, my determination unwavering despite the fear curling in my stomach.
Enzo nodded, a silent understanding passing between us as we stepped forward. The moment we crossed the threshold, an overwhelming stench hit me—a putrid cocktail of rotting blood and decaying flesh. I instinctively covered my nose, fighting the bile rising
