By now, no one present cared about pride, status, or grudges anymore.
What everyone wanted was painfully simple. Someone, anyone, had to open this stone gate. Otherwise, they would remain trapped inside this ancient ruin, cut off from the outside world, waiting for an end no one dared to imagine.
So when Zora stepped forward again, no one stopped her.
People unconsciously made way, their eyes fixed on her hands, on the stone door, on every tiny movement. Hope and anxiety tangled tightly in their chests.
Zora stopped in front of the massive stone gate and raised her hand, pointing to the circular groove carved beneath the door ring.
"Kael, look here."
Prince Kael's gaze followed her finger. The moment his eyes landed on the groove, something stirred in his mind. A sense of familiarity rose sharply, like a memory suddenly illuminated.
In an instant, he understood.
