The cave was unlike anything I had imagined. Its entrance yawned wide, resembling the mouth of a beast frozen in mid-roar, its jagged rocks forming teeth that gleamed faintly under the dim light of the moon. A chill crept into my spine as we stepped inside, the cool, damp air wrapping around us like a shroud.
Elara trailed behind me, her movements hesitant. I glanced over my shoulder to make sure she was still there. Her eyes darted nervously across the cavern walls, her body tensed like a coiled spring.
“Stay close,” I said, my voice echoing faintly.
She nodded, though her trembling hands betrayed her fear. I couldn’t blame her. The mastermind’s clue had led us here, and the oppressive darkness of the cave made it clear this was no ordinary place.
As we ventured further, faint marking
