Chapter 14 The Abyss Beneath

The tunnel stretched deeper, its walls growing tighter as they ventured farther into the heart of the ancient ravine. The air grew thick with the scent of rust and decay, mingling with the oppressive weight of centuries of silence. Kaiza kept the obsidian fragment close, its faint glow casting erratic shadows against the jagged stone walls. The battle with the serpentine guardian still echoed in his mind, but there was no time for reflection. They had only just begun to uncover the truths hidden beneath this forsaken place. Behind him, Mina’s cautious footsteps were barely audible, yet Kaiza could feel the steady presence of her gaze on him. He stole a glance over his shoulder, meeting her eyes. Her expression was resolute, but there was a flicker of concern in her gaze. She was worried about him; he could sense it. He couldn’t afford to let her down now.