other world entirely. The dim light that filtered in through cracks in the stone walls seemed to be swallowed by the darkness

e ancient magic in the air, thick and oppressive. The power that had drawn her here pulsed all ar

ith focus, his hand resting on the hilt of the dagger at his side. He was always ready for danger, always prepared to protect her,

n couldn't read them, but she could feel their power, humming like a live wire beneath her skin. She reached out, brushing her fingers

concern flashing in hi

t want to show weakness now, not when they were so close. But deep down, she was terrified. Th

dark. Susan had to squint to see the outlines of the stone walls, her footsteps echoing loudly in the sile

e room stood a stone altar, its surface covered in strange, glowing symbols like those they had seen in the co

arely above a whisper. He stayed back, his ey

ronger than ever before. It was like a tide, pulling her toward the altar, toward whatever power lay hidden here. B

rling around her, like invisible hands reaching out to touch her, to test her. Th

ners grew darker, deeper, and Susan's heart skipped a beat

d, her voice tremblin

rrowing as he scanned the room. "

them from the shadows. Her instincts screamed at her to run, but her feet were frozen in place. She was

d as she watched them twist and stretch, forming dark figures that loomed taller and taller.

s dagger, his stance tense and ready. "Ge

igures approaching from the shadows. There were at least four of them, their shapes shifting like smoke, their eyes

he faint light as he swung at the nearest figure. The blade passed through it, bu

an cried, her voice tight with

as the figures continued to advance. "Ther

g, but she could feel something beneath it. A spark of recognition, like the power inside her was reaching out, tryi

r. The magic around her was reacting to the power inside her, and slowly, she bega

oment her hand touched the stone, a surge of energy shot through her, stronger than anything she had e

d by the magic coursing through her veins, burning like fire. She could feel the shadows p

striking the nearest shadow figure. It let out a horrible, screeching sound before

the power she had unleashed. She didn't know how she had done it, but she didn't have time t

p them," Susan said, her v

s eyes wide with surpris

surged again, and with a flick of her wrists, two more blasts of light shot out, striking the

James as they stood in the aftermath. The shadows were gone, but the magic in

he glowing altar, she knew