The morning sun filtered through the canopy, casting dappled light over the ancient ruins. The battle of the previous night had left its mark—cracked earth, scattered debris, and the lingering smell of smoke and scorched magic. Despite the exhaustion, Elara and her team pressed on with renewed urgency, their focus on the enigmatic symbols and carvings within the ruins.
Elara stood at the heart of the ruins, her gaze fixed on the intricate carvings that adorned the walls. The inscriptions, illuminated by the early sunlight, seemed to pulse with a faint, otherworldly glow. Morgana and Aric were deep in their studies, their hands tracing the symbols with practiced precision.
Morgana's voice was filled with a mix of excitement and caution. "These runes—they're more than just protective spells. They describe a complex ritual, a form of binding magic used to contain or seal dark energies. The Shadow Shard must have been part of a much larger magical construct."
