Chapter 33: The Winding Path

The group traveled in silence, the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the cobblestone road the only sound that accompanied them as they left the familiar lands of Elysium behind. The morning sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the landscape. But as they ventured farther from the castle, the sunlight seemed to grow dimmer, as if even the heavens knew of the darkness they were heading towards.

Aria rode beside Damien, her mind heavy with thoughts of the mission ahead. She had tried to prepare herself for the journey, but nothing could shake the unease that settled deep in her bones. The road to the Abyss was long, treacherous, and fraught with danger. And the closer they got, the more oppressive the air seemed to become.

“Are you alright?” Damien’s voice broke through her reverie. His eyes, filled with concern, met hers as they rode side by side.