The journey back to their group was fraught with a renewed sense of urgency. Isla and Kai recounted their encounter, the woman's power, and her chilling prophecy.
A heavy silence fell over the group, the weight of their words sinking in.
They decided to convene a council, a gathering of their diverse allies, to discuss the immediate threat and plan their next move. The council, held under the flickering light of a makeshift campfire, was a somber affair. Faces etched with worry and determination filled the circle.
Isla, her voice firm despite her weariness, spoke of the woman's escape and the lingering darkness.
Kai shared his observations of the scattered dark energy, the subtle signs of corruption that still plagued the land.
The council members, representing different villages and skills, shared their own experiences, tales of strange occurrences and unsettling encounters.
A consensus emerged: the darkness was spreading, subtly but surely, and they needed to act quickly.
They discussed strategies, debated possible locations of the woman's return, and considered ways to strengthen their defenses.
A sense of shared purpose filled the air, a determination to stand against the encroaching shadows. The council of shadows had begun, to fight against the deeper shadows of the world.