The path narrowed, the walls closing in as they descended further into the depths. The air grew colder, the oppressive energy pressing down on them with every step. Aric felt the weight of it in his chest, a suffocating presence that threatened to crush his resolve.
Kael was quieter now, his usual arrogance tempered by the unknown. They were no longer enemies locked in a battle of pride and vengeance. Down here, they were two men facing a force far greater than either of them could comprehend.
They emerged into a vast chamber, its walls covered in the same glowing symbols as the doorway they'd passed. In the center of the room stood a pedestal, atop which rested a small, intricately carved box. The pulsing light seemed to emanate from it, casting long, shifting shadows across the floor.
Aric approached cautiously, the shard still clutched tightly in his hand. The whispers grew louder, more insistent, as if urging him forward. He could feel the box's pull, a magnetic force that drew him closer with every step.
Kael grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Are you sure about this?"
Aric met his gaze, seeing the same fear reflected in Kael's fiery eyes. "No," he admitted. "But we don't have a choice."
With a deep breath, Aric reached out and lifted the box from the pedestal. The moment his fingers touched it, a blinding light filled the chamber, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. The whispers turned into a deafening roar, and the walls began to close in.
"Run!" Kael shouted, grabbing Aric and pulling him back toward the narrow passageway.
They sprinted through the collapsing cavern, the box clutched tightly in Aric's arms. The walls crumbled around them, but somehow they managed to stay ahead of the destruction. Just as they reached the exit, a final, violent tremor sent them sprawling into the darkness.