Chapter 232: Chapter 232: The Gathering of Shadows

The journey back to the village was fraught with tension. With the Heart of the World safely secured, Elara, Kael, Morgana, and Arian moved with renewed urgency. The stakes had never been higher. The crystal, though a beacon of hope, also represented the burden of their mission—a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

The forest, which had seemed almost serene during their initial passage, now felt heavy with foreboding. Every rustle of leaves and distant call of wildlife seemed to echo their mounting anxiety. The path they had traversed only hours earlier now felt more daunting, as if the forest itself was bracing for what was to come.

Night fell quickly, and they made camp under the canopy of ancient trees. The fire crackled, casting a warm glow on their faces, yet the warmth did little to dispel the cold sense of impending danger. They gathered around the fire, the Heart of the World resting on a makeshift pedestal of rocks.