The ascent into the mountains was steep and unforgiving. Elara, Selene, Professor Arthen, and Rylan navigated narrow trails that wound through the rocky terrain, their boots slipping on loose gravel and icy patches. The higher they climbed, the colder the air became, with gusts of wind that threatened to knock them off balance.
"We're getting close," Professor Arthen said, adjusting his cloak against the biting wind. "The reference in the tome mentioned a landmark—an ancient stone arch—that marks the entrance to the sanctuary."
Elara squinted against the glare of the rising sun as it crested the mountain peaks. "How much farther?" she asked, her voice muffled by her scarf. "It feels like we've been climbing for hours."
"Not much longer," Arthen replied, his eyes fixed on the trail ahead. "If we keep this pace, we should reach the arch by midday."
