Aubree Groove's gaze was fixated on the totem as she slowly unsheathed her sword.
In an instant, light splintered in all directions, and a resonant hum filled the air.
Aubree abruptly replaced the scabbard, restoring everything to calmness.
The stone door in front of them was wide open, allowing sunlight to flood in, nearly blinding them.
Aubree stepped out and heard the soft murmur of a stream, the beautiful scenery of lake and mountains within reach.
It turned out they were on the other side of Phoenix Mountain. The cave entrance was concealed behind a waterfall that cascaded from the top of the mountain, flowing into the stream down the slope.
Aubree crossed the waterfall and stream. The side of the mountain was complex, covered in undergrowth that would easily lead to getting lost. But to Aubree, it was like being in uncharted territory. She looked up at the position of the sun and discerned the route down the mountain.
