Chapter 163: Chapter 163: The Unseen Watcher

Elara awoke to the soft sound of dripping water, the only noise breaking the silence of the antechamber. She blinked against the dim light of the dying embers from their fire, her body still aching from the battle with the creature they had faced. Around her, the others were beginning to stir, their faces etched with the same weariness she felt.

They had survived another trial, but at what cost? The memory of the orb and the being it had unleashed was still fresh in her mind, a constant reminder that the Keep held secrets far darker and more dangerous than they had imagined. But there was no turning back now.

Elara slowly sat up, stretching out the stiffness in her limbs. Ethan was already awake, sharpening his sword with a quiet, focused intensity. Bryn and Lyra were sitting nearby, sharing a quiet conversation, their voices low and serious. It was clear that the weight of their journey was beginning to take its toll on all of them.