2 The crypt

The basement was a dimly lit, sprawling space that was rumored to be one of the most mysterious and dangerous areas of the entire school.

The stone walls were rough and uneven, with long cracks and crevices that seemed to glow with an eerie, greenish light. The floor was made of rough-hewn stone, with occasional patches of moss and lichen growing between the cracks.

The air was damp and musty, with a faint smell of mold and decay that permeated the space.

There is something wrong here. I couldn't put my finger on it but I was feeling a sense of something dark in here.

Where is Iris?

I searched for her running through the basement looking for any sign of her, the darkness seemed to grow around me as I went deeper and deeper into the basement.

Calling on to the magic inside me, I created a light trailing me ahead so that I could see better.

He said she was in a crypt; I have heard the students whispering in the corridors about the horrors that are hidden in the crypt.

worry nagged me, what if they are true?

I hope they are just rumors and not the truth or Iris could be in serious danger.

After searching for her for what seemed like an eternity, I found a door it was fully covered in vines and blue leaves.

I stared at it in awe, how was it able to grow in such a dark place?

I would have missed it in the dark if not for the pull I felt toward it.

There was a strange kind of energy surrounding it the air around it was heavy and musty, with a faint smell of decay that seemed to seep out from the cracks around the edges.

It must be leading to the crypt, there was no handle or keyhole to the door, it was old and heavy, made of thick oak planks that had been warped and weathered by its surroundings.

As I approached the door, I noticed the intricate carvings that covered its surface. The carvings were twisted and distorted, depicting grotesque figures and twisted monsters.

It was humming with magic.

It seemed to have enchantments, it was clear that the door had been designed to keep the students out, or maybe it is to keep something inside.

Despite the ominous appearance of the door, there was something compelling about it. It seemed to draw people in, inviting them to explore the secrets that lay beyond.

There was a warning going on in my head to not go near it.

That is when I noticed something glinting, something was stuck in one of the veins.

I leaned forward to take a look calling the light forward so that I could see better in the dark.

The light illuminated the dark area, and that is when is saw it, a bracelet, the same charm bracelet that Iris always wears, it was her favorite one.

I carefully pocketed it; she would want it back.

There is no doubt now Iris is inside this door. How did she manage to get inside?

Maybe she is not here, maybe she went to our room. There is no way for me to know.

but if she is inside, I can't just let her get in trouble, and she is so afraid of the dark.

There is no use in overthinking now. I have to at least check, what if she is really inside.

My neck prickled with a cold sensation as I was about to touch the door like I should definitely not be doing this.

I should have called for Theo when I was coming here. He would have helped.

There is no use in thinking about it now, I will have to go inside. I thought, determined to save my friend.

As soon as my fingers touched the door, I was pulled inside, try as I might I could not stop it was no use, there was strange energy pulling me. Within a blink of an eye, I was on the other side of the door.

I staggered trying to find my footing, The darkness of the crypt enveloping me, this darkness was much denser, it was so thick I could barely see a few feet in front of me even with the light.

My senses heightened, making me alert in this unknown place, there could be danger lurking anywhere.

I have to find iris and get out of here; something tells me shouting her name would not be a wise thing to do here.

So, I carefully made my way along the rows of tombs lined in the crypt, searching for Iris. My heart beating rapidly, it was like the beat of a drum in this silent place.

After searching for what seemed like an eternity, I still couldn't find her. they must have lied to me. I bet they are laughing now for tricking me into coming here.

As I was passing the last of the tombs there was something that caught my eye, I gathered more of my mana, making the light a bit brighter to see what it was.

There was an altar, with a tomb in the center. just looking at it made me shiver; I should get the hell out of here.

There were four statues of gargoyles standing near the altar, looming over anyone who dared to approach.

Their stone bodies were etched with intricate patterns and details, their wings folded tightly against their backs.

Each statue was around six feet tall and had a menacing expression etched onto their stone faces.

The gargoyles were incredibly realistic, and their stone bodies looked as though they might come to life at any moment.

Their claws were sharp and curved, as though they could easily slice through flesh. The tips of their wings were jagged and razor-sharp, and their mouths were open in a perpetual snarl, revealing pointed teeth that looked more suited for tearing flesh than for crushing stone.

A chill ran down my spine as I stared at them, I carefully backed away from them as the realization hit me, they were not merely statues, they are real gargoyles, and they are here protecting something.

They are the reason why the students are not allowed to enter here.

They can wake up the moment I make a wrong move, gargoyles are cruel creatures with a single-minded personalities, they are protectors, they protect things, and no one can get past them.

They would not hesitate to kill anyone who gets in their way. If they somehow woke here there is no stopping them from tearing me apart into pieces.

A low groan sounded to my right it feels like a shout in the silence that has enveloped the crypt. my heart nearly gave out. I took a deep breath trying to calm it down.

I followed the groan to find Iris laying on the floor, there was an expression of fear on her face as she lay there moaning as if she was in pain.

She must have fainted as she is afraid of dark and closed spaces like this one, we have to get out of here.

Oh! I am so glad I decided to check out this place. If not, she would have been stuck in here. I can't imagine how she would have felt.

I tried healing her to wake her up. taking both of her hands in mine I channeled my mana into her.

Taking away all her fear and anxiety so that she would get calm and would wake up, it worked as she opened her eyes.

Basic healing magic is taught to us since we are kids, so it is easy as taking a breath to heal something so small.

"Iris, we have to get out of here, get up." I held her hand helping her up, the fear in her eyes was evident as she took in her surroundings.

Without leaving her hand I gently pulled her in the right direction, we have to get out of this godforsaken crypt as fast as possible.

I was busy focusing on her, to see where I was going. My leg bumped into something, making me topple, my hand knocking painfully on the tomb near me, it's rough walls scratching against my arm, the pain was so sudden, it made me shudder, and my blood splayed on the tomb.

"Aelia! Are you okay?" she was beside me, checking me for any wounds, "oh my god, Aelia, you are bleeding."

"Don't worry, I'll heal it."

Then I heard something that almost stopped my heart.

The sound of stone grinding against the stone.

We both turned to find the gargoyles moving, unfurling their wings, their stone eyes opened and their red eyes locked on us.