The chill of early morning mist hung over the forest as Elara, Kael, Morgana, and Arian made their way toward the ancient fortress. The orb they had retrieved glowed faintly in its protective wrapping, its power a tangible presence at their side. Each member of the group was lost in thought, contemplating the significance of their latest discovery and the path that lay ahead.
Their journey back to the village had been uneventful, but the weight of their new knowledge and artifacts had brought an added urgency to their quest. They were aware that the forces of the Abyss were not idle and that their next steps needed to be both swift and calculated.
As they approached the village, its familiar silhouette emerged from the fog, the morning sun beginning to pierce through the mist. Lyra awaited them at the edge of the village, her expression a mix of anticipation and concern. She had sensed their arrival and was eager to hear about their findings.
