The pale light from the new doorway flickered as Elara and her companions stepped through, their movements slow, burdened by the weight of what they had each sacrificed to the lake. Though they had survived the Trial of Sacrifice, it had left scars on their souls, ones that would not easily heal. Still, they pressed on, the urgency of their mission driving them forward.
The narrow passage beyond the door led to a chamber far smaller than any they had encountered thus far. Its walls were smooth, unadorned stone, unmarked by time or decay. At the center stood a single, intricately carved pedestal, glowing faintly with ancient magic. The air in the chamber was still, but there was a palpable tension, as if the room itself was waiting for them.
The artifact in Elara's hand pulsed with a rhythmic hum, growing stronger as they approached the pedestal. The sound echoed in her ears, as though urging her to move closer, to uncover the final secret of the ruins.
