The aftermath of the battle left everyone breathing heavily, the air still filled with the acrid scent of scorched shadows. Sophie turned to her group, her gaze meeting each of theirs, silently assessing their condition. No one had fallen, but they were bruised, and exhaustion was evident in their stances. She could feel the weight of the situation press down on her shoulders—her responsibility as their leader, especially after the rumors that had led her to take this mission.
"Everyone," Sophie called, her voice clear but softened by a trace of weariness, "we need to press on. The cave... that's where the shadows are coming from, and we need to put an end to it. Dravis believes the magma bear's fire has been critical in forcing these creatures into a physical form. We'll use that advantage as we move forward."
