The night in Eldoria passed without incident, but sleep was restless for Emily. The Abyss's whisper lingered in her thoughts like an itch she couldn't scratch. Its words echoed with a terrifying certainty, and despite her defiance, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that it was right. The Abyss *was* a part of her now, more than just a power she had to control—it was an entity, watching, waiting.
As the first rays of dawn broke across the city, casting Eldoria in a warm golden light, Emily rose from her bed. She had spent the night preparing mentally, trying to strengthen her resolve. She wasn't just facing the dangers of the Lost Archives; she was waging a constant battle within herself.
By the time she reached the city gates, Alaric and Mira were already there. Alaric was sharpening his blade, his brow furrowed in thought, while Mira stood scanning the horizon, her fingers drumming idly on the hilt of her dagger.
