Chapter 142: A Race Against Time
Author: LORI D. LEE
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

The morning sun had barely begun to pierce through the dense canopy of the forest as we packed up our camp. Our new ally, who introduced herself as Seraphina, laid out the plan. Her knowledge of the conspiracy and its reach was vast, and her confidence reassured us even as the weight of our mission grew heavier.

"We need to reach the Temple of the Lost before the cult does," Seraphina explained, her voice steady. "The compass lies within, and with it, the power to stop the dark force they've awakened."

Aric tightened his grip on his weapon. "And how do we know you're not leading us into another trap?"

Seraphina met his gaze without flinching. "You don't. But you don't have a choice. If we fail, everything you've fought for will be lost."

With no time to waste, we set off, navigating through the treacherous terrain. The path was fraught with obstacles—hidden traps, treacherous cliffs, and the ever-present threat of the cultists hunting us. Each step forward felt like a step deeper into
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