"Unless the secret realm had a direct passage," Cruzer finished for her, understanding her line of thinking. "It must've been some kind of shortcut."
Elara nodded, though her expression remained uneasy.
"A shortcut, maybe. But something about this feels… off. The Domain of Echoes is supposed to be rigid, with each level serving a distinct purpose. Skipping one like this could mean we're missing crucial trials or challenges designed to prepare us for what's ahead."
Cruzer considered her words as they pressed on through the dense jungle. The atmosphere was thick with magic, making every breath feel heavy.
Despite the eerie beauty of the place, a nagging sense of dread gnawed at him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was watching them.
