The group hears a small chortle from the direction of the portrait, though as you look nothing has changed nor is there any movement.

Within the first few moments of Akmenos focusing on the ring, he’s immediately overcome with fear and revulsion at the ring. From any other patron or deity this would be cause for concern, but these are the prime tools of the Elder Gods, and as such, this is part and parcel for Akmenos. The Elder Gods have imparted that the keys are not cursed.