---
The Abyssal Forests grew darker as the group ventured deeper into its heart, the air thick with anticipation and the promise of unseen threats. The shadows clung to them like a second skin, and the once-faint whispers had grown louder, more insistent. The forest seemed to be alive, breathing with an unnatural energy that pulsed in time with their steps.
Elara led the way, the Heart of the Storm faintly glowing in her hands, providing just enough light to guide their path. But even its power seemed diminished here, as though the shadows were leeching its energy.
Kirin stayed close to her, his senses alert. "The darkness is getting stronger. We must be close to the Veil's core."
Aeliana nodded, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the twisted landscape. "Yes, but the closer we get, the more the forest will try to deceive us. We can't trust anything we see or hear from now on."
