The price of victory

Jis Mith watched in horror as Tuk was pulled towards the swirling portal, the curse's dark tendrils latching onto him. Without a moment's hesitation, Tuk shoved his sister to safety, his face etched with a mix of determination and anguish.

"No!" Jis Mith cried, surging forward with his staff raised, his protective spells already weaving a shimmering barrier around Tuk's sister. The other sorcerers and wizards joined the desperate effort, their combined magic straining against the portal's relentless pull.

But it was no use. The curse had a vice-like grip on Tuk, and with a final, gut-wrenching scream, he was torn from their grasp and swallowed into the depths of the unknown realm. The portal collapsed in a blinding flash, leaving behind only a deafening silence and the lingering sense of a terrible loss.

Jis Mith stared at the spot where Tuk had vanished, his chest heaving. The others gathered around, their faces etched with shock and grief. One of the wizards, the elder mentor figure, placed a weathered hand on Jis Mith's shoulder, his eyes brimming with a somber understanding.

"He made the ultimate sacrifice," the wizard murmured. "To save his sister and protect us all."

Jis Mith nodded, his jaw clenched tight. "And now we must find a way to bring him back." He glanced at the others, his gaze steely with determination. "We cannot leave him trapped in that realm."

The younger wizard stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "But how? The portal is gone, and we know little of the forces that dwell in that other world. It will be an impossible task."

"Nothing is impossible," Jis Mith replied, his voice firm. "Not when we work together. We've proven that much today." He swept his gaze over the group, his expression resolute. "We will find a way. For Tuk's sake, and for the sake of all we hold dear."

The sorcerers and wizards exchanged somber nods, their determination hardening. They had faced unimaginable challenges and emerged victorious, if only barely. But the cost had been devastating, and the future remained shrouded in uncertainty.

Jis Mith turned his attention to Tuk's sister, who stood apart from the others, her eyes downcast. He approached her slowly, his heart aching at the sight of her fragile, trembling form.

"It's over," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "The curse is broken, but at such a price..." She lifted her gaze, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I should have been stronger. I should have fought it harder."

Jis Mith placed a gentle hand on her arm, his expression softening. "You are not to blame, child. The fault lies with the dark forces that orchestrated this tragedy." He paused, his own sorrow etched on his features. "Tuk would never have wanted you to bear that burden."

She nodded, her lips quivering. "I know, but it doesn't make it any easier." She took a deep, shuddering breath. "I will carry on, for his sake. And I will help you find a way to bring him back."

Jis Mith felt a surge of pride and admiration for the young woman's resilience. In the midst of their grief, she had found the strength to look beyond her own pain and offer her aid. It was a testament to the bond she shared with her brother, and a reminder of the power of love and determination.

"Then we shall begin our search," Jis Mith declared, turning to face the others. "We will delve into the mysteries of this curse, uncover the secrets of the other realm, and forge a path to bring Tuk home."

The sorcerers and wizards nodded, their expressions hardening with resolve. They had faced unspeakable challenges and endured unimaginable losses, but their mission was far from over. The battle for Tuk's salvation had only just begun.

As the group set out to begin their new quest, Jis Mith cast one last, lingering look at the now-tranquil river, its surface reflecting the somber sky above. The portal was gone, but the mysteries it guarded remained, and Jis Mith knew that their journey was far from over.

With a deep breath, he turned and followed the others, his mind already racing with plans and strategies, determined to bring Tuk back from the unknown realm – no matter the cost.