The forest thinned as Elara, Elias, and Seraphina continued their journey. Days had passed since their encounter with the Shade-walkers, and the path to the Heart of the World grew more treacherous with each step. The land itself seemed to shift underfoot, as if resisting their progress.
The once-familiar world now felt foreign and hostile, a reflection of the darkness that had begun to seep into their reality. The ancient trees were twisted and gnarled, their branches stretching out like skeletal hands. The air was thick with an unnatural chill that seemed to sap their strength with every breath.
### The Veil of Shadows
One evening, as dusk settled over the land, the trio approached the entrance to a cavern marked by a massive stone archway. The arch was covered in runes, their meanings obscured by centuries of wear. A soft, pulsating glow emanated from within, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding rocks.
