As they continued through the maze, the whispers grew more intense, making it difficult for Raven to focus. Lyra and Mira exchanged worried glances, but Kaelara remained steadfast, her eyes fixed on the path ahead.
Suddenly, shadowy figures began to appear around them. Tall and imposing, they seemed to be made of darkness itself. The whispers grew louder, urging Raven to turn back, but he resisted the temptation.
"Keep moving," Kaelara urged. "We're close to the center."
The figures moved in sync with them, their presence making it seem as though they were being herded towards a specific destination. Lyra's eyes darted around, trying to get a better look at the figures.
"What are these things?" she whispered.
Mira's eyes were fixed on the figures. "I think they're manifestations of our own fears and doubts," she said. "The maze is testing us, trying to see if we're worthy of what's at the center."
Raven's grip on his sword tightened. "Let's not let it get to us," he said. "We've come too far."
As they pressed on, the figures began to take shape, their forms becoming more defined. Raven saw himself standing alongside them, his reflection staring back at him with a mixture of fear and determination.
"Look!" Lyra exclaimed. "Our shadows are joining us!"
The figures began to surround them, their dark forms closing in. It was then that Raven realized that the true test was not about navigating the maze, but about confronting his own inner demons.