Sophia coughed and waved her hand.
"Well, that was unexpected."
Auriel shot her an exasperated look.
"You are reckless."
Sophia grinned unapologetically.
"Hey, it works as long as it works, right? You have no right to complain about any of it."
Auriel turned her attention back to the swirling darkness ahead of them. It was impossible to see beyond the writhing mass of shadows, but she could feel something—something deeper inside, radiating pure malice.
"The core is further in. If we don't find it soon, this corruption will spread and consume the entire imperial castle."
Auriel stated.
Sophia cracked her knuckles.
"Then let's go find it."
The two stepped forward, cautiously moving through the darkness.
The further they went, the thicker and more oppressive the air became. It was as if the shadows themselves were trying to push them back, resisting their intrusion.
