The night air was crisp and silent as Elara watched the last of the expedition team disappear into the encroaching darkness of the northern forests. The mages and scholars, led by Kirin and Morgana, carried with them an assortment of enchanted artifacts and arcane relics designed to combat the growing darkness. Their mission was clear: delve into the ancient fortress, uncover its secrets, and halt the spread of the malevolent force threatening their world.
As they ventured north, the landscape transformed from familiar terrain to alien, shadowy wilderness. The trees grew taller and denser, their twisted branches resembling skeletal fingers reaching out of the gloom. The mists that coiled around their feet seemed almost alive, pulsating with a faint, eerie glow.
