The forest wrapped around them like a cloak, each step echoing with the whispered warnings of ancient trees. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. Despite the beauty of the scene, an undercurrent of tension pulsed through Emily, a constant reminder of the Abyss lurking just beneath her skin.
"Do you think the altar led us away from the Abyss, or deeper into its grasp?" Mira asked, breaking the silence as they forged a path through the underbrush.
"Hard to tell," Emily replied, her brow furrowed in thought. "But I feel like it was showing us a way out. The visions felt clear, unlike the chaotic whispers I've been hearing."
Alaric paused, glancing around. "It could be a trap. The Abyss is known for playing games with those who seek its power."
