The Stone Door and the Sleeping Serpent

After crossing wobbly bridges and listening to bird-chatter paths, Ari reached a clearing where the air shimmered with quiet magic.

There it was, the Temple of Whispers. Its stone door was round and smooth, with a spiral carving in the center. Curled on the steps before it was a magnificent emerald-green snake, scales shining like polished jewels.

The snake opened one eye lazily.
“Few walk this path,” it hissed softly. “Why do you come, little one?”

Ari stepped forward bravely. “To learn the secrets of the temple. Not to take, but to understand.”

The snake's tongue flicked thoughtfully.
“Many come to take. Few come to listen. Speak your truth, and I will listen too.”

The Door Opens

With a sound like wind and music, the ancient stone door slowly rolled aside. Inside shimmered golden light, ancient carvings, books that whispered when opened, and floating lanterns that never flickered out.

But Ari didn’t run in. Instead, Ari turned to Sethra and asked, “Will you come too?” The snake blinked. “No one has ever asked me that.”

Ari smiled. “Guardians deserve to learn, too.” And so, for the first time in centuries, Sethra slithered through the temple’s doorway—not as a guard, but as a guest.

Inside, Ari and Sethra explored together, reading magical scrolls, listening to echoing voices of old wisdom, and even discovering a map to more forgotten places.

And from that day on, the Snake who Guarded the Temple Door wasn’t just a protector; he became a teacher, a traveler, and a friend.

The End !