The first light of dawn painted the sky with soft hues of pink and orange, signaling the start of a new day. But for Elara and her companions, it was a day they had long anticipated with a mix of dread and determination. As the village slowly stirred awake, they gathered their belongings and made final preparations to leave.
Elara stood at the edge of the village, her gaze fixed on the dark line of the forest that loomed ahead. The ruins they sought lay deep within those woods, hidden away for centuries, untouched by time or man. But now, they would be the ones to uncover its secrets, no matter the cost.
Kirin approached her, his expression serious. "The villagers have given us what supplies they could spare. They wish us luck, though I could see the fear in their eyes. They know something is coming."
Elara nodded, feeling the weight of their expectations. "They're right to be afraid. But we can't let that stop us. We've come too far."
