Elara leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper.
"What trials, Varyn? We can
't face this creature without a clear understanding of what it demands."
Varyn's brow furrowed as he struggled to collect his thoughts. "The spirit of the glade is fickle. It requires a penance, a sacrifice of sorts, to prove your worth. Those who seek its favor must confront their deepest fears while navigating the maze of shadows that guard the sacred place."
Aric crossed his arms, his expression turning grave.
"And if we fail?"
"Then the spirit will not aid us, and the consequences could be dire. I’ve seen families torn apart by this curse. I lost my brother to it..." Varyn
's voice broke, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his stoic façade.
Elara placed a comforting hand on his arm. "We might not have much time left. We have to move, gather what we need. But this will be a test for all of us, not just you."
Nodding, Varyn swallowed hard, finally seeing the glimmer of hope in their unity. Together, they would face the trials — and the creature that haunted his lineage.