The morning sun filtered softly through the ancient stone walls of the chamber, casting long shadows across the floor. Though the darkness had been pushed back, its presence lingered like a whisper on the wind.
Riven sat quietly, his mind heavy with memories resurfacing from the battle. Each shadow he had faced was a fragment of his past—a past he'd long tried to forget. Yet, it was clear now that running had only given those shadows more power.
Lysara approached, her steps light but purposeful. "You fought bravely, Riven. But this is only the beginning."
He looked up, meeting her calm gaze. "The past is a puzzle I must solve… but I fear what I might uncover."
Kael joined them, tightening the straps on his armor. "Whatever comes, you won't face it alone. We stand with you."
Just then, a faint vibration rippled through the ground beneath them. The air grew thick with tension, and the chamber's walls seemed to pulse with unseen energy.
Lysara's eyes widened. "The ancient seal… it's weakening."
Before any of them could react, a deep rumble echoed through the fortress, and a hidden door groaned open, revealing a spiral staircase descending into darkness.
"This is where the real trial begins," Riven said, rising to his feet.
With determined steps, the trio descended into the unknown — toward answers that could reshape their fate forever.