We woke up in the cavern, the oppressive weight of the darkness pressing down on us even in our restless sleep. The faint glow of our dimmed torches cast long shadows on the cold, stone walls. I could feel the tension in the air as soon as I opened my eyes. We were all on edge, each of us knowing that today could very well be our last. The final confrontation was near, and there was no escaping it.
I looked around at the others, seeing the same grim determination etched into their faces. Finn was already up, pacing near the edge of our small camp, his brow furrowed in thought. Zara was checking her gear, her hands moving with precise, practiced motions. Even though she was calm on the surface, I could see the tightness in her jaw. Malik sat quietly, his eyes closed as if in meditation, though I knew he was just trying to center himself before the storm.
