The air inside the archives was thick with dust and a chill that seemed to seep into their bones. The vast chamber stretched out before them, its towering shelves crammed with ancient tomes and scrolls, some half-buried under a thick layer of cobwebs. The faint, ghostly glow of magical runes illuminated the space in an eerie light, casting long, flickering shadows that danced across the walls.
Elara led the way, her senses heightened. Every footstep echoed in the cavernous space, a constant reminder of the vastness and isolation of the archives. The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the soft scuff of their footsteps on the dusty floor.
Kael, ever vigilant, kept his sword ready, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow. Seraphina followed close behind, her daggers at the ready, her gaze sharp and focused. Elias and Aric brought up the rear, the former's staff glowing faintly as he scanned the surroundings for any magical traps or wards.