Chapter 238: Chapter 238: The Waking Abyss 

The air inside the fortress grew colder as the night deepened, a chill that seemed to seep through the very stone walls. The group huddled around the dwindling fire, their thoughts heavy with the looming threat of the Abyss. Each member of the party was acutely aware that the respite the fortress provided was temporary; the Abyss would not rest until it had what it sought, and time was running out.

Elara stood, her eyes scanning the darkened corners of the hall as though expecting the shadows themselves to move. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, even though Arian had confirmed the fortress was secure. The flickering light from the hearth cast eerie patterns on the stone walls, making the ancient runes seem to shift and writhe like living things. She knew these were mere tricks of the light, but the atmosphere of the fortress was heavy with foreboding, amplifying every small doubt that crept into her mind.