Marcus, Kira, and Lyra stood at the edge of a mist-covered grove, the border between the forest they knew and the Veiled Realm they feared. The air was thick and heavy, pulsing with a magic older than time itself. They could feel the energy pulling at them, the presence of the Nexus growing stronger with each step closer.
Kira took a deep breath, her hand gripping the hilt of her blade. "Once we cross, there's no turning back, is there?"
Lyra shook her head, her eyes fixed on the mist. "No. The Veiled Realm is like a maze; it shifts and bends to its own will. The only way out is to go through."
Marcus glanced at his friends, taking in their determined faces. Despite the fear gnawing at his own heart, he felt a surge of strength. They had all come so far, and together, they had faced every danger thrown their way. The bond they shared felt like an unbreakable shield against the darkness.
"Let's do this," he said, stepping forward and into the mist.
