Echoes of the Star Seed

The air in the Forgotten Peaks was thin and sharp, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and something else… something ancient. For weeks, you, Elara, a novice archaeo-mage from the Arcane Archives, had tirelessly navigated crumbling pathways and deciphered faded glyphs. Your guide, the gruff but surprisingly insightful Kael, had been a constant shadow, his gruff words often masking a surprising depth of knowledge. Tonight, however, felt different. The air crackled with an almost tangible energy as you pushed aside a final cascade of overgrown vines, revealing a cavern mouth hidden for centuries. Inside, a low, pulsating hum vibrated through the very rock beneath your feet. Kael gripped the hilt of his worn daggers, his eyes scanning the shadows. “This is it, Elara,” he whispered, his voice uncharacteristically soft.