"Is everyone ready?" Ardiel asked, his voice steady as they stepped through the grand metallic gates of Dragonheart Mansion, the imposing structure towering behind them.
Kiera, Minho, Reno, and Mavis exchanged glances, their faces a mix of determination and trepidation.
Each of them nodded, though the anxiousness lingered like a shadow, creeping into their hearts.
Despite having gone over the details of their mission and hearing Ardiel's reassuring promises that he wouldn't let any of them come to harm—not a single finger would be lost—the doubts continued to flicker within them, small embers of fear that refused to be extinguished.
"Okay, let's go. We need to reach Hawthorne City by this evening," Ardiel declared, his tone shifting to one of resolve as he took the lead.
The weight of their task settled around them, palpable in the air.
As they walked, the walls of Rivendale loomed ahead, sturdy and unyielding.
