***
The air in the passage was damp and heavy, carrying the faint metallic tang of magic. Anneliese led the way, her pendant illuminating the narrow staircase that spiraled deeper into the earth. Each step echoed, their movements the only sound breaking the oppressive silence.
Acacia followed closely, her dagger drawn. She cast a wary glance behind her, her nerves on edge. “This place doesn’t feel right,” she muttered, her voice barely audible.
“It’s not supposed to,” Anneliese replied, her tone calm but firm. She stopped at the base of the staircase, her pendant’s glow revealing a cavernous chamber. The walls shimmered faintly, etched with runes that pulsed like a heartbeat.
“What is this?” Acacia asked, stepping beside her.
“Something old,” Anneliese said, her gaze scanning the room
