Chapter 280 The Shadow's Embrace

• Ariella’s heart pounded as she moved deeper into the temple’s dark passage, her every step echoing off the stone walls. The air was thick with an ancient power, heavy and suffocating, pressing against her from all sides. The shard in her hands warmed, pulsing with an energy that seemed almost alive. It was a force that beckoned her forward, as though it had a purpose beyond mere magic—something deeper, something more entwined with her destiny.
• As the passage wound and twisted, the darkness grew thicker. She could hear whispers now—low, haunting murmurs that seemed to come from the very walls. Ariella pressed on, determined to face whatever awaited her. She had to be strong. For the kingdom, for her friends, and for herself.
• The passage suddenly opened into a cavernous chamber, its walls lined with ancient symbols glowing faintly in the dark. At the center stood an imposing figure, cloaked in shadow, its face hidden beneath a dark hood. The figure’s presence was overwhelming, its very being exuding an aura of power and ancient malice. Ariella froze, her instincts screaming at her to turn back, but she couldn’t. She had to face this.