Chapter 298: Chapter 298: The Shadows That Bind

The morning sun cast its first golden rays over Valrath, bathing the ancient city in a warm, ethereal light. The streets, lined with towering spires and grandiose buildings, seemed almost otherworldly in their quiet grandeur. Elara and her companions emerged from the Grand Library, their breaths forming small clouds in the crisp morning air. The city, once bustling with life, now lay eerily still, a testament to the centuries of abandonment.

The ancient city's grandeur was both awe-inspiring and daunting. Elara felt a shiver of anticipation as they moved through the deserted streets. The architecture was magnificent—tall, intricate spires, massive archways, and ornate facades that spoke of a bygone era of powerful mages and thriving magic. Yet, the silence was oppressive, broken only by the soft echoes of their footsteps.

"Where do we start?" Arian asked, his voice breaking the silence.