The sun was just beginning to rise as they stepped out of the underground chamber. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and ancient stones. The boy tightened his cloak around him and glanced at the girl.
"We have to find the Temple of the Drowned," she said quietly, unfolding the map again. "It's the first seal."
He nodded, trying to steady his racing heart. The weight of the god's voice from the night before still pressed on his mind.
They followed the winding path through the dense forest. Tall trees surrounded them, their leaves whispering in the gentle breeze. Birds called far above, but the forest felt empty of people.
"Why do you help me?" the boy asked suddenly.
She hesitated. "Because I owe a debt to your family. Long ago, my ancestors protected the first vessel of the god. Now, it's your turn."
He looked at her, surprised. "You believe I'm the vessel?"
She gave a small smile. "I don't just believe it. I know it."
As they walked, the boy noticed the strange symbols on the trees, ancient markings carved deep into the bark. They matched those in the book he had found.
"What do these mean?" he asked.
"They are wards," she explained. "They keep dangerous creatures away from the temple. But they also warn us we're close."
Hours passed, and the forest grew darker and colder. Suddenly, the path opened into a clearing. There, half-submerged in a shallow lake, stood the ruins of a temple.
Stone pillars, covered in moss and vines, rose from the water. The temple's entrance was an archway, carved with images of water and waves. The boy's heart pounded.
"This is it," the girl said. "The Temple of the Drowned."
They approached cautiously. The water was cold, and the air smelled of salt and decay. As they stepped inside, the boy felt the power of the seal pressing against him.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the temple. From the shadows, a creature emerged, its skin slick and wet, eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.
The boy's body tensed. "What is that?"
"The guardian," the girl whispered. "It protects the seal. We have to get past it."
The creature lunged forward. Without thinking, the boy raised his hand, and a flicker of light shot from his palm. It was weak but enough to make the creature pause.
The girl took the chance to pull a dagger from her belt and strike at the guardian. The battle had begun.