The darkness of the temple swallowed us whole, like a great beast consuming its prey. The air grew thick and heavy, pressing down on us like a physical weight. I could hear the quick, shallow breaths of my companions, their fear a tangible thing in the gloom.
"Stay close," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "Remember, we're in this together."
We shuffled forward, our footsteps echoing off unseen walls. The stone beneath our feet was smooth, worn by countless years and countless pilgrims. I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched, judged by unseen eyes.
Suddenly, a soft blue light began to glow ahead of us. It pulsed gently, like a heartbeat, drawing us forward. As we approached, the light grew stronger, revealing a vast circular chamber. The walls were covered in
