Avery's heart skipped a beat as she heard the mysterious voice echoing off the stone pillars . " Welcome , Avery ," it said . " I have been waiting for you ."
Ryker's eyes met Avery's , and he nodded reassuringly . " We're here to support you ," he whispered .
Lyra's eyes sparkled with curiosity . " Who are you ?" she asked aloud .
The voice chuckled , a low , husky sound . " You'll find out soon enough ," it said .
As they ventured deeper into the temple , Avery couldn't shake the feeling that they were being led into a trap . But she also felt a thrill of excitement , a sense of anticipation building within her .
Suddenly , the temple doors slid open , revealing a vast , dimly lit chamber . Avery's eyes adjusted slowly to the darkness , and she saw a figure standing at the far end of the room .
It wa a woman , tall and statuesque , with long , flowing hair and piercing green eyes . Avery felt a jolt of recognition as if she had seen the woman before .
" Who are you ?" Avery asked , her voice barely above a whisper .
The woman smiled , a slow , sensual smile . " I am Ariana ," she said . " And you , Avery , are the key to unlocking the secrets of the ancient ones ."
Avery's heart was racing with excitement and trepidation. What did Ariana mean ? And what secrets lay hidden within the temple ?
As she stood there , frozen with anticipation , Avery felt Ryker's hand brush against hers . It was a subtle touch , but it sent shivers down her spine .