The air in the cavern grew heavy with dark energy as the cloaked figure raised their hand, summoning a surge of malevolent power. Shadows coalesced into tendrils that snaked across the floor, wrapping around the stone columns and stretching toward Elara and her companions.
"Watch out!" Rylan shouted, his sword flashing as he cut through the encroaching darkness. The tendrils recoiled, but the cloaked figure only seemed amused, their low chuckle echoing off the cavern walls.
Elara and Selene stood back-to-back, their weapons drawn and ready. Professor Arthen took cover behind one of the columns, his notes clutched tightly in his hands. He knew that his role was to find the key to the sanctuary's secrets, but the immediate danger required a different kind of expertise—one that Elara and Selene were well-equipped to handle.
