54. A key and trip to the capital

AT THE SAME TIME

WANESSA'S POINT OF VIEW:

The key in my hand seemed to burn with energy, its intricate carvings almost pulsating with a power I couldn't quite grasp. I turned it over, a strange sensation creeping up my spine. This key. A sudden memory flickered to the front of my mind the monster we had faced, its cruel laughter ringing in the air as it handed us this exact key. The connection clicked into place.

I stopped in my tracks, my eyes widening.

"The key." I murmured, barely above a whisper.

"What about it" Wren asked, glancing over at me.

"It's from the treasure box... the one we were supposed to open after completing the trials."I said.

Wren's face hardened as she took a step closer, her voice now low and urgent.

"That means..."Wren started.

I finished her sentence for her, my voice tightening with realization.