William stood at the edge of the valley, his sharp eyes catching the glossy sheen that seemed to coat the entire landscape before him. A faint, eerie glow pulsed from the barrier, its surface shimmering with a malevolent energy that sent a chill down his spine. He had been to this valley many times, searching tirelessly for Jerrick, but never had he seen this barrier before. Something had changed. Whatever magic cloaked this place now was new, and it was dangerous.
His heart beat faster as he cautiously stepped closer, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him. The bird that had led him here flapped its wings and took off into the night, leaving William alone with the dark energy that seemed to hum around him. In the distance, a familiar voice whispered through the air. His chest clenched, and he quickened his pace, the sound pulling him toward it.
