The shimmering path twisted and turned, leading them deeper into a dense mist that swallowed sound and light. The air grew colder, heavy with silence.
Kael glanced at his companions. "Stay close. This place… it feels alive."
Suddenly, shapes flickered at the edge of their vision—dark forms slithering through the fog, whispering doubts and fears.
Lysara gripped her staff tighter as whispers filled her mind, "You will fail… you're weak… your friends will betray you…"
Riven's eyes narrowed, "Ignore them. They feed on your fears."
But the shadows grew bolder, twisting into illusions—visions of failure, loss, and betrayal.
Kael saw himself alone, defeated, his comrades vanished. The pain was real enough to make him stagger.
Lysara reached out, placing a steady hand on Kael's shoulder. "Remember who you are. We're with you. Together."
Riven spoke firmly, "Focus on the truth, not the lies. The shadows can't hurt you if you don't give them power."
With effort, Kael forced himself to breathe, centering his mind. The illusions flickered and faded as he summoned his resolve.
One by one, the shadows dissolved, retreating back into the mist.
Ahead, a glowing archway appeared, the passage through the first trial.
Kael exhaled, "We made it."
Lysara smiled faintly, "But this is only the beginning."