The dawn light filtered through the thick canopy of the forest as we made our way back from the corrupted clearing. Despite the battle we'd just endured, a strange calm settled over us, as if the forest itself was breathing a sigh of relief, its roots and branches free from the lingering dark energy. Each step felt lighter, the weight of the shadows beginning to lift from our spirits.
Still, the echoes of the entity's words replayed in my mind: "The war is far from over." Even in its death, the entity had managed to weave itself into the fabric of the land and the hearts of its people. But as long as we stood together, I was certain that we could resist any lingering remnants of its power.
As we walked, Raven slowed her pace to walk beside me, her gaze soft but resolute. "Jade," she began quietly, "we need to talk about the crystal."
