The narrow passageway beyond the temple was dimly lit by cracks in the stone ceiling, allowing faint beams of light to filter through. The air was colder here, and the ancient magic that had protected the temple was giving way to something darker, more malevolent. James and his companions pressed on, their footsteps echoing ominously in the silence.
The weight of Lynara's sacrifice hung heavily over the group. Though they had survived the deadly traps of the temple, the cost had been high, and each of them felt the loss in their own way. Pippy walked with her shoulders slumped, the usual spring in her step gone. Cherry's face was drawn in quiet contemplation, her dark wings folded tightly behind her. Even Eryndra, normally composed and focused, seemed more somber than usual.
