The looming gate to the dragon kingdom came into sight at last, its massive structure rising out of the earth like the spine of some ancient beast.
Kana, Lysera, and Irielle slowed as they approached, expecting to see the bustle of guards, villagers, or at the very least some sign of life.
But there was nothing.
The three exchanged uneasy glances. Behind the towering gate stretched only silence—no villages, no figures, not even the faintest stir of movement.
The absence was so complete that Kana felt her heart quicken. Her senses tingled, detecting a faint thread of power emanating from beyond the wall.
Still, the emptiness was too uncanny.
Kana turned toward Lysera, but the dragonkin had already stepped ahead of them, her expression calm, almost solemn.
"Give me some space. This isn't the true entrance."
She said firmly, her eyes fixed on the gate.
Kana and Irielle obeyed, stepping back as Lysera raised her hand and began to chant in a low, resonant voice.
