******
Cain's eyes fluttered open to find himself in a dimly lit cave, the soft glow of candles casting dancing shadows on the rough-hewn walls.
He shifted uncomfortably on the solid rock beneath him, feeling every ache and pain in his sore joints and muscles.
With a groan, he finally managed to sit up, his movements slow and labored as he took in his surroundings.
To his left lay Arial, still unconscious but breathing steadily, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
Relief flooded through Cain as he saw that she was alive and seemingly unharmed, her peaceful expression a stark contrast to the chaos of their recent ordeal.
On his right side, several meters away, hung the emerald robe that had been his first and sudden companion throughout their journey.
It seemed out of place in the dimly lit cave, a vibrant splash of color against the drab stone walls.
