The grandfather clock in the university courtyard chimed midnight. While the rest of the campus slept, the four of us stood before a heavy, rot-iron door hidden deep within the forbidden library basement. Following a tip from Ela about a forgotten 1960s research room, we had slipped past the security guards under the cover of darkness .

"This is it," Ela whispered, her flashlight illuminating the thick layer of dust coating the iron bars. "The old cardiology research vault. It's been sealed shut for decades."In the center of the iron gate hung a heavy, tarnished padlock. My breath caught in my throat. The keyhole was shaped exactly like a delicate heart wrapped in thorns."Go on, Pia," Iris urged softly, holding my shoulder. My hands trembled as I pulled the silver key from my pocket. It felt burning hot against my skin now, a stark contrast to its usual icy chill. Step by step, I approached the door.