The morning mist hung thick around them as the group prepared to leave the haven. The forest was unnervingly quiet, as though the world was holding its breath. Serena felt the weight of the journey ahead. They were headed toward the Lycan elders for answers, but deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that things weren't going to unfold as they hoped. There was a nagging sense that they might not get the help they were desperately searching for.
Ronan led the way, his eyes sharp and watchful, scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger. Ivy, moving fluidly by his side, was ready with her bow. Callum and Serena followed behind, the latter trying to keep calm, her mind heavy with the uncertainty of what awaited them.
The deeper they ventured into the forest, the more oppressive the atmosphere felt. The woods seemed alive with a quiet, unseen presence, and Serena could feel the weight of something dark looming. Her mind kept drifting back to the mysterious force threatening everything they knew. She tried to focus on the path ahead, but the dread gnawed at her.
"We should be getting close," Ronan called back, his voice low. "Stay alert. The closer we get, the more dangerous it could be."
Serena nodded, gripping her sword tighter. She didn't know what awaited them, but she had no choice but to face it.
As they continued on, the trail grew steeper, and the trees seemed to close in, blocking the light. It felt like twilight even though the sun was rising. The air was thick with tension, and then, a distant howl pierced the silence.
"Wolves?" Serena asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ronan shook his head. "No. That's not the pack. Something else."
Ivy slowed, her sharp eyes scanning the trees. "We're not alone. Keep your guard up."
The group continued on in tense silence, their pace quickening as they climbed higher. After what seemed like an eternity, they finally reached the base of a steep cliff. At the top, Serena saw what they had been searching for: a weathered stone structure, partially overgrown with ivy, emanating an ancient, powerful aura.
"The elders are in there," Ronan said softly. "Let's go."
As they neared the entrance, the air grew colder. The stone archway was adorned with intricate, faded carvings symbols whose meaning was lost with time. Serena reached instinctively for her silver pendant, feeling a strange surge of energy as her fingers brushed it. It was a small reminder of the power within her, though she still didn't fully understand it.
"This place feels… ancient," Serena said, her voice low.
Ronan nodded. "It is. The Lycan's true history is hidden here. The elders have guarded these secrets for centuries."
Serena frowned. "Secrets? What kind of secrets?"
Before Ronan could answer, a voice broke the quiet from within the structure.
"You seek the elders, I presume?" The voice was calm, but carried authority, and from the shadows emerged a cloaked figure. His face was hidden beneath the hood, but his presence exuded power.
Serena's heart quickened. "Who are you?" she asked, her tone firm despite her unease.
"I am one of the keepers of the elders' secrets," the figure replied. "You seek answers, but beware some truths are not meant to be uncovered."
Ronan stepped forward, his expression hard.
"We need to speak to the elders. The wolves, this dark force it's all connected. We need to understand what's happening before it's too late."
The keeper's eyes gleamed under his hood.
"You are right. It is all connected. But the truth you seek will come at a cost."
Serena's spine stiffened, but she didn't back down. "We don't have a choice. We need to know. If you won't help, we'll find the answers ourselves."
The keeper studied her for a moment before nodding slowly. "Very well. But know this once you enter, there's no turning back. The truth will change everything."
With that, the keeper turned and beckoned them to follow. Serena exchanged a glance with Ronan and Callum, then looked at Ivy, who was already moving forward. There was no turning back now. The stone door creaked open, and they stepped into the unknown.