The aftermath of the battle left the village of Frostveil in uneasy silence. The fires had burned low, leaving only smoldering embers that cast an eerie glow against the snow-covered ruins. Nikos and his companions stood amidst the wreckage, their breaths visible in the cold night air.
Vaelin wiped the blood from his storm-forged spear and sheathed it across his back. "This was only a taste of what's coming. Skellith's forces won't take this defeat lightly."
Zara crouched beside the fallen warriors, her fingers brushing over the insignia on their armor. "They were corrupted… twisted by the darkness of Tenebris. Whatever power Skellith wields, it runs deep."
Ali flicked his tail uneasily. "Then we need to move fast. We've already drawn enough attention."
Nikos turned his gaze toward the distant horizon. The battle had left him drained, but an unease gnawed at him—an unseen force watching from the darkness. He knew their journey was far from over.
"We head south," he finally said. "There's an ancient ruin near the borders of Aeris. If we're going to stop Skellith, we need to learn more about his power. And to do that, we need to understand the past."
Vaelin crossed his arms. "You think this ruin holds answers?"
"I don't just think," Nikos said, meeting his gaze. "I know. It's tied to the first war, to Aeonir's relics. If we're to stand a chance against the darkness, we need to uncover the truth."
A heavy silence fell over the group, the weight of destiny pressing upon them. Then Zara stood, determination burning in her eyes. "Then let's not waste time. The past won't stay buried forever."
With their path set, the companions gathered what little supplies they could salvage and began their journey into the unknown. The winds of change whispered through the trees, carrying the echoes of forgotten battles.
And in the distance, unseen eyes watched, waiting for their next move.