Chapter 12 The Veiled Sanctuary

The path revealed by the altar stretched ahead like a silver ribbon, shimmering faintly in the moonlight. The forest around them had changed, no longer dark and oppressive but eerie and unnervingly silent. The trees here were ancient, their gnarled roots twisting into the ground like claws, and a faint mist coiled lazily around their feet. Kaiza led the way, his expression grim but resolute. Mina followed close behind, her hand resting on the hilt of her dagger, her sharp eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of danger. Oran brought up the rear, unusually quiet, his usual bravado replaced by a contemplative air.