The air in the newly stabilized realm was calm, almost serene, but the faint hum of tension lingered in the distance. The trio walked along the path that had reformed after the battle, their steps purposeful despite their exhaustion. The events of the confrontation with the shadowy figure lingered in their minds, each one grappling with the implications of its words.
Elara's hand gripped the crystal tightly, its faint glow a constant reminder of their growing connection to the balance of the realms. Her thoughts swirled with questions about the figure's claim. Were they truly accelerating the collapse, or was it another layer of manipulation?
"It was bluffing," Thorne said abruptly, breaking the silence. His tone was resolute, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of doubt. "It wanted us to hesitate. If we hadn't acted, it would have overwhelmed us."
