Thalia's heart pounded as she and her team crept closer to the dark force stronghold. The night was dense with the scent of incense and the murmur of ominous chanting. Each step brought them nearer to the heart of the enemy's ritual, their senses heightened and nerves on edge.
As they approached the edge of the clearing, Thalia signaled for her team to halt. From their vantage point, they could see the cultists arrayed around a large altar, their dark robes swirling as they chanted in a low, rhythmic cadence. Dark energy crackled in the air, creating an oppressive atmosphere that made it hard to breathe.
"We need to get closer and gather as much information as possible," Thalia whispered. "We need to understand the nature of this ritual."
