The moon hung low in the sky as Thalia and her reconnaissance team crept closer to the dark force stronghold. The forest, shrouded in darkness, seemed to hold its breath, every rustle and snap of a twig amplifying the tension that gripped the group. Thalia's senses were on high alert, her keen eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement.
When they reached the edge of the clearing, the team crouched low behind a line of dense foliage. The sight before them was chilling. A large, makeshift altar stood at the center of the clearing, surrounded by cultists who chanted in unison. Dark energy crackled in the air, pulsing with malevolent power.
"We need to get closer," Thalia whispered, her voice barely audible. "We need to understand what they're doing."
