(Chapter 382)
With the pulsating shadow vanquished, a noticeable shift occurred within the cavern. The oppressive atmosphere lessened, the air felt cleaner, and the eerie silence held a different quality – one less of malevolent anticipation and more of a temporary reprieve.
Elara retrieved Whisperwind, its silver surface now dimmed but still radiating a faint, comforting coolness. Sheathing it, she met Liam's gaze. A silent understanding passed between them: the path ahead would likely be even more perilous.
They continued their ascent, the passage beyond the cavern leading upwards at an even steeper incline. The rough-hewn walls were slick with moisture, and the air was thin, making each breath a conscious effort. The only light came from Dawnbreaker, casting dancing shadows that played tricks on their eyes.
After what felt like an eternity of climbing, the passage opened into a vast chasm. A rickety bridge of petrified wood and twisted vines spanned the seemingly bottomless abyss. The wind howled through the chasm, threatening to tear them from their precarious footing. On the other side, a dark opening in the cliff face beckoned – presumably the next stage of their journey.
Liam approached the edge cautiously, testing the stability of the bridge with his foot. The petrified wood groaned under his weight, and several of the twisted vines appeared frayed and brittle.
"This doesn't look safe," he observed, his voice barely audible above the wind's lament.
Elara peered over the edge. The darkness below was absolute, swallowing any hint of what might lie beneath. "Is there another way?"
Liam scanned the chasm walls, his gaze sweeping across the jagged rock face. "Not that I can see. We'll have to risk the bridge."
Taking the lead, Liam stepped onto the bridge, his movements slow and deliberate. Dawnbreaker's light illuminated his path, each step measured and cautious. Elara followed closely behind, her hand hovering near Whisperwind, ready for any unforeseen danger.
The bridge swayed precariously with each gust of wind, the petrified wood creaking and groaning in protest. Loose fragments crumbled and fell into the abyss below, the sound swallowed by the vast emptiness. Elara focused on her footing, trying to ignore the dizzying drop on either side.
Halfway across, the bridge shuddered violently. A section of petrified wood near Liam's foot splintered and cracked, sending a shower of debris into the chasm.
"Liam!" Elara cried out, her heart leaping into her throat.
He regained his balance, his knuckles white as he gripped the remaining sturdy section of the bridge. "I'm alright! Just keep moving!"
They pressed onward, their pace quickening despite the treacherous footing. The wind seemed to intensify, buffeting them from all sides, as if trying to knock them off balance.
Finally, they reached the other side, collapsing onto the solid ground with a collective sigh of relief. The dark opening in the cliff face loomed before them, an entrance into what felt like the very heart of the Shadow Peaks.
Before they could catch their breath, a low, guttural growl echoed from within the opening. Two massive, shadowy figures emerged, their forms vaguely canine but twisted and enlarged to monstrous proportions. Their eyes glowed with malevolent green light, and razor-sharp teeth glinted in the dim light.
"Shadow Hounds," Liam growled, drawing Dawnbreaker once more. "I've heard tales of these beasts. Ferocious guardians."
The Shadow Hounds lunged, their movements surprisingly swift for their size. One went for Liam, its shadowy jaws snapping, while the other turned its attention to Elara.
Liam met his attacker head-on, Dawnbreaker clashing against the hound's shadowy hide. The light of his blade seemed to scorch the creature, causing it to hiss and recoil momentarily.
Elara drew Whisperwind, its silver surface reflecting the eerie green glow of the hound's eyes. She moved with agility, dodging the creature's snapping jaws and slashing at its legs. The blade bit into its shadowy flesh, but the wound seemed to regenerate almost instantly.
"They're resilient!" Elara exclaimed, narrowly avoiding a swipe of the hound's massive paw.
"We need to find a weakness!" Liam grunted, parrying another attack. The Shadow Hound he faced seemed to be growing stronger, its shadowy form solidifying.
Thinking quickly, Elara recalled ancient lore that spoke of the Shadow Hounds' vulnerability to pure silver and focused light. She channeled more of her inner light into Whisperwind, causing its silver surface to blaze with a brilliant white glow.
As the hound lunged again, Elara sidestepped and plunged the glowing Whisperwind deep into its flank. This time, the shadow did not regenerate. The hound shrieked, a sound of pure agony, and its form began to dissipate, dissolving into wisps of dark smoke.
Seeing his companion fall, the other Shadow Hound turned its attention fully to Elara, its green eyes burning with fury. It lunged, faster and more aggressively than before.
Liam, having momentarily gained the upper hand against his own attacker, saw the danger Elara was in. He roared a challenge and moved to intercept the beast.
But the Shadow Hound was too quick. It slammed into Elara, knocking her off her feet and sending Whisperwind skittering across the stone floor. The monstrous jaws opened wide, ready to deliver a fatal blow.