Dawn broke over Valrath with a haunting beauty. The first light of day filtered through the mist that clung to the ancient city, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the towering spires and domes that jutted from the fog. The city lay before them, a sprawling labyrinth of old stone and weathered grandeur, its streets and structures swallowed by centuries of neglect.
Elara and her companions awoke to the crisp morning air, the lingering fog wrapping around them like a shroud. The soldiers moved with purpose, their tired eyes reflecting the gravity of their mission. As they prepared to enter the city, there was a palpable sense of anticipation mixed with apprehension.
"We should proceed cautiously," Kael said as he examined the map once more. "Valrath is ancient and its defenses were formidable. The city itself might hold more secrets than we anticipated."