The Phantom’s Warning

Evelyn's grip tightened around her sword as the whisper echoed through the chamber. The words lingered in the air like a curse, making the very stones around them feel colder. Soren moved closer, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement.

"Show yourself!" Evelyn called, her voice unwavering.

Silence.

Then, from the far end of the chamber, a shadow peeled itself from the wall. It was not entirely human—it flickered like smoke, its edges shifting, its form indistinct. The only thing clear was the glowing pair of eyes, filled with something ancient and knowing.

"You seek what should remain lost," the figure said, its voice neither male nor female, but something in between, unsettling in its lack of warmth.

Evelyn raised her blade. "Who are you?"

The shadow laughed softly. "A messenger. A warning. You chase a truth that will shatter the world you know. Turn back before it is too late."

Soren stepped forward, his dagger ready. "And if we don't?"

The figure's form flickered, reforming closer. "Then you will meet the masked one sooner than you wish. And when you do, the choice you make will decide the fate of all."

Evelyn exchanged a glance with Soren. There was no fear in his expression—only determination. She turned back to the shadow. "We are not afraid. Tell us where to find the hidden city."

The shadow sighed, as if disappointed. "Very well. Follow the path of the dying stars. Seek the ruins beneath the black sun. There you will find what you seek. But be warned… some truths should never be known."

With those final words, the figure dissolved into darkness, vanishing as suddenly as it had appeared. The torches flickered, their flames struggling against an unseen force before returning to normal.

Evelyn exhaled, steadying herself. "The path of the dying stars…"

Soren nodded. "Looks like we just got our next destination."