Julian's eyes shifted to Dakota, noting the uncertainty etched across her face. Her grip on Harith's hand tightened and he could see her trembling.
Whatever awaited them inside the cave, it was clear that even Dakota wasn't entirely at ease.
For a moment, she stood at the entrance, her breath visible in the cool air. After some brief moment of gathering her courage, she pulled Harith closer and stepped into the shadowy cave.
Julian's gaze darted around the forest one last time, and with a deep breath, he adjusted his cloak and followed them inside.
As he entered the cave, the atmosphere shifted dramatically, sending a chill through his spine. The air grew cold, almost unnaturally so, and each breath he took felt heavier than the last.
The inside of the cave was dimly lit with small, flickering candles, casting shadows that seemed to glow with an eerie hue.
