The enormous mountain ranges of the Syvian Peaks towered over the tired travellers, creating an almost palpable sense of tension in the air. With their hearts heavy with doubt, the expedition, now reduced to a disjointed and distrustful crew, trekked through the harsh terrain. Fears that the shadows were more closer than they cared to acknowledge were stoked by the abrupt departure of Kael and Zara.
Reluctantly taking on the role of leader now, Lorien halted in the middle of his stride and looked over the horizon. The sky appeared to have been painted by the gods themselves, a painting of deep purples and molten orange. She said firmly, "We'll make camp here," with a certainty in her voice that she didn't feel.
With his fingers twitching close to the hilt of his blade, Jax mumbled under his breath, "We're sitting ducks out here." Who can tell that whatever took Zara and Kael won't target us next?
Lorien gave him a fierce look. "Be my guest, Jax, if you're so ready to keep going. We al
