Betty's POV. 

The portal closed behind me with a whisper, and suddenly, the salon's fluorescent brightness was replaced by the gentle glow of candlelight. 

I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the dimness.

We were in a shrine with walls carved from ancient stone that seemed to pulse with a quiet energy. 

Symbols I didn't recognise spiralled across every surface, and in the centre, a pool of water reflected the light from hundreds of flickering candles.

My breath came shallow. The air ...