The moment Sydney spoke, Michael placed a hand over his chest and pulled out the Key tied to an old silver thread. It was no ordinary key—this was the very one Gandolf had given him before he entered the Valley of Souls, knowing that Michael would need it to return. Ancient symbols were etched into its surface, matching the carved script engraved upon the face of the portal.
Michael took a deep breath and slid the key into the narrow slit formed between the portal's cold, lifeless stones. As soon as he turned it clockwise, the silence of the basement shattered into a terrifying roar.
Suddenly, the entire structure began to groan, as if massive iron gates sealed for centuries—and thousands of locks—were breaking open all at once. Krrr-clank! Shhh-tik! With every click, the ground trembled. Allen, Claire, and the others stepped back in fear and astonishment.
