Screams from the Abyss

Roots of Change (Continued)

As they prepared to leave, Gareth caught Aria's arm. "Be careful in there," he said, his gruff demeanor softening slightly. "The Shadow... it'll try to get inside your head. Don't let it. Whatever you see, whatever you hear, remember that it's all lies."

Aria nodded, tucking the amulet safely away. "We'll remember. Thank you, Gareth."

They set out towards the city as the last light of day faded from the sky, leaving them in a twilight world of deep shadows and muted colors. The closer they got to the gates, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. The very air seemed to grow thicker, pressing down on them with an almost physical weight.

"You know," Nalia murmured as they picked their way through the debris-strewn streets, "I'm starting to think we should have brought backup."

Aria managed a weak smile. "Probably. But then, when have we ever done things the easy way?"

They moved deeper into the city, the silence broken only by the occasional skittering of unseen creatures in the shad