The Cave of Lethenia looms ominously in the distance as I approach. Its entrance is carved into the towering mountainside like a monstrous mouth waiting to swallow its prey whole. The landscape around is barren, void of any life as if the cave's aura has sucked the vitality out of everything nearby.
Apollo is already there, pacing near the entrance. He is wearing an intricate set of golden armor that glows in the eerie light of the cave. It's impressive, a complete contrast to my own simple, dark attire. He turns at the sound of the dragon's swoop and waves in my direction, grinning wide as though this were just another casual play.
"You made it!" he shouts, his voice echoing against the unforgiving stone walls.
"Yes," I reply, dismounting from the dragon. "And quite punctually, I might add."
