Read "The Metal Monster" by Abraham Merritt online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
Upon that threshold the mists foamed like breaking billows, then ceased abruptly to be. Keeping exactly the distance I had noted when our gaze had risen above the fog, glided the block that bore Ruth and Norhala. In the strange light of the place into which we had emerged -- and whether that place was canyon, corridor, or tunnel I could not then determine -- it stood out sharply.
One arm of Norhala held Ruth -- and in her attitude I sensed a shielding intent, guardianship -- the first really human impulse this shape of mystery and beauty had revealed.