I stood at the edge of the sanctuary, a canvas of dawn's light just beginning to paint the sky, the air tinged with a mix of anticipation and the unknown.
Around me, the team I'd chosen—each a master in their field, from the keen-eyed botanist Mara to Jax, whose survival skills were unmatched—bustled with the quiet efficiency of seasoned explorers.
We were a mosaic of expertise, brought together by necessity and a shared curiosity for what lay beyond the veil of mist that now enshrouded our world.
"Mara, double-check the specimen containers," I instructed, my voice steady, betraying none of the tumult that churned within me.
"Jax, ensure everyone's gear is Mist-compliant. We can't afford any malfunctions out there."
Nods and murmurs of affirmation rippled through the group as they attended to their tasks.
