KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

The air grew denser, the shadows darker, as we pressed on through the enemy's lair. With each step closer to the stronghold's heart, a palpable tension wound its way around my spine, constricting like a serpent ready to strike. The silence was oppressive, a stark contrast to the cacophony of battle we'd left behind.

"Keep your senses sharp," I whispered, my voice barely a breath against the cold stone walls that funneled us forward. The scent of ancient magic and malice ...