章 209: Ready

The morning fog clung to the village as Emily, Calem, and Mara made their way to the forest's edge, preparing to embark on their journey north to the ancient library. It felt surreal; less than a month ago, Emily had known nothing of relics, shadows, or ancient battles. Now, she was at the center of a quest older than her own ancestors. As they walked, the weight of the relic around her neck seemed to shift in rhythm with her heartbeat, as if it were both reassuring her and urging her forward.

Calem paused at a bend in the path, looking back at the village. "Are we sure we're ready for this?" he asked, his voice low but steady. "The library is farther north than any of us have traveled, and who knows what's protecting the secrets we're after."

Mara met his gaze, unwavering. "If the relic called us here, it means something important lies in that library. It's risky, yes, but this might be our only chance to get ahead of the Shadow Order."