Huli's ears suddenly twitched, and her playful demeanor vanished. "They are here, " She hissed, her blue eyes turning sharp.
A chilling scratching sound erupted from the walls of the chamber. From the crack in the stone, wisps of thick, black smoke began to pour out, coiling together to form humanoid shapes with red, glowing eyes. These were the 'Shadow seekers' ancient wraiths that had hunted the Golden key for a thousand years.
Dua's breath hitched. " Huli, what do I do? I don't have a weapon! "
"Use the key, Dua! Focus your will upon it! " Hili commanded, her tails flaring out like a silver fan.
Dua gripped the Golden key with both hands and squeezed her eyes shut. She thought of her antique shop. Her love for history, and the sudden fire of survival burning in her chest. She felt a surge of intense heat radiating from her palms.
When she opened her eyes, a dome of brilliant golden light had erupted from the key, surrounding her in a protective shield. A shadow seeker lunged at her, but the moment it touched the light, it shrieked and disintegrated into harmless ash.
Dua gasped, staring at her hands. "Did.... did I do that? "
"The key is responding to your spirit, " Huli said with a hint of a smile in her voice. "But this is only the beginning. We must leave this place before their master arrives. "
As they hurried toward the massive iron door, Dua noticed a faint amber glow in her own reflection on the stone floor. She wasn't just a witness anymore; she was becoming a part of the legend.