Iron doors glare beneath torchlight ancient and unpersuaded
Legends claim they open for no one
Yet my pulse presses forward before I negotiate with fear
Courage arrives late but arrives
Stone trembles under my touch surprised
The gate inhales tasting the shape of my resolve
Old magic shifts in its sleep
Audacity it seems is a universal language
Rust falls like amber rain revealing forgotten sigils
The arch divides: half shadow half promise
Crossing requires me to leave hesitation on the threshold
I step without bargaining
A roar of light floods the chamber beyond
Walls bow acknowledging my entry
I realize the truth—
The gate was never locked I was