An ancient artifact

The moon hung high, casting a pale light over the dense forest as Eires and Thea moved swiftly through the underbrush, their footsteps quiet but purposeful. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, the silence broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. Eires’ senses were heightened—every step was calculated, each breath steady. They were close now, only a few more minutes, and they’d find their third teammate, Rhydian.

As they reached the clearing where Eires had last seen him, the forest seemed to hold its breath. Rhydian sat on a fallen log, his back turned to them, staring into the distance. The shadows around him flickered faintly, remnants of the protection Eires had cast earlier still lingering in the air. He didn’t notice them at first.