The forest remained unnervingly silent as they left the clearing, the air thick with tension. Sunlight filtered weakly through the dense canopy, casting fractured patterns on the mossy ground. The whispers from the shrine still echoed faintly in Wei Lin's ears, like a forgotten melody she couldn't shake.
Mara led the way, her staff glowing faintly to guide them. "We've disturbed a force older than we can comprehend. The Codex might be our key, but it's also a curse."
Selene walked close behind, her daggers drawn. "Then why keep it? Let's toss it into a ravine and be done."
Wei Lin shot her a glare. "The Codex saved us back there. It's dangerous, but it's also the reason we're alive."
Darian stayed quiet, his eyes scanning the forest for signs of danger. He had a feeling the guardian's warning wasn't the last obstacle they'd face. "Mara, where are we headed now?"
