Escaping the darkness

(Damien)

The darkness enveloped us, it was thick and suffocating. During that time, I became paralyzed. Being trapped here was the last thing I expected.

Amelia fought hard against it, using every bit of her magic which left her drained. I tried to focus, push through it, and remain strong.

But it seems as if I couldn't even do that. I could hear her next to me, as she struggled to catch her breath.

This was different, the darkness was not like the night we were used to. It was alive, pulsing, as if it had a will of its own, pressing down on us, sapping our strength, our hope.

"Damien…" Amelia's voice was faint, trembling with exhaustion.

"I… I can't hold it back…" I clenched my teeth, frustration and fear gnawing at me. We had faced down dragons and defied ancient curses, but this—this was something else entirely. It was as if the darkness was feeding off our fear, growing stronger with each passing moment.