章 167: Worse

The sanctuary lay in ruins behind them, the shattered altar a reminder of the choice Emily had made. The air was thick with the remnants of their battle, and the group stood in silence, each member caught in their thoughts. The victory felt hollow, as if the breaking of the altar had only deepened the mystery of the shadow figure they had fought. Emily gazed at the cracked stone, her heart heavy with unease. She couldn't shake the feeling that they had unleashed something far worse.

Darius limped toward her, his face grim as he tended to a deep cut on his arm. Valen sat nearby, his head in his hands, nursing the bruises from their latest encounter. His mood had darkened since the battle, and Emily could feel the tension between them growing. He was always one to question, to push back against the uncertainties of their mission, but lately, his doubts had become louder.

"I hope you know what you're doing," Valen muttered, not bothering to lift his head.