The tunnels twisted and turned, a labyrinth of shadows and echoes. Isla and Kai pressed onward, guided by the faint hum of the amulet.
The air grew heavy, thick with the scent of damp earth and something else, something ancient and metallic.
They passed chambers littered with shattered stone and rusted weapons, remnants of forgotten battles. The faded symbols on the walls hinted at a history of conflict, a struggle against a darkness that had plagued this place for centuries.
"This place…it feels like a tomb," Isla whispered, her voice echoing in the silence.
Kai nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
"It's more than that," he said. "It's a prison. A prison for something…or someone."
The amulet's hum grew stronger, pulling them towards a large, ornate door, its surface etched with intricate carvings. The door radiated a faint, pulsating energy, a sense of power that made their hearts pound.
They approached cautiously, their hands trembling slightly. The carvings depicted scenes of battle, of darkness and light clashing, of a figure shrouded in shadows, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent.
"Thane," Isla whispered, her voice filled with dread.
Kai nodded, his expression grim. "This is his lair," he said. "We're close."
He placed his hand on the door, feeling the pulsating energy beneath his fingertips. The door was locked, sealed with a powerful magic.
"We need to find a way to open it," Isla said, her voice filled with determination. "We need to face him."