As they ascended from the depths of the Lost Archives, a heavy silence hung between Emily, Alaric, and Mira. The echoes of the shadowy guardian's words lingered in Emily's mind, intertwining with the whispers of the Abyss that pulsed beneath her skin.
They climbed back through the winding corridors, the oppressive energy of the Abyss growing weaker with each step they took toward the surface. Yet, even as the light grew brighter, a shadow of uncertainty loomed over Emily. She could sense that this wasn't the end—only a temporary reprieve.
Emerging into the open air, they found themselves back in the ruined city, the midday sun casting stark shadows across the stone. The atmosphere felt different now, charged with an underlying tension as if the ruins themselves were aware of their presence.
"What the hell was that?" Mira broke the silence, her brow furrowed with concern. "We didn't come here for some cryptic warnings."
