The Desert of Desolation    

A wave of energy surged through them, and in an instant, they felt themselves being pulled away, their surroundings blurring as the monolith's magic transported them to the next region.

Just as the last of the team disappeared into the monolith, Seraphina caught sight of them from the corner of her eye. A small smile played at the edges of her lips. They'd made it—her mission was complete.

Now, it was her turn.

With a final glance at the Eldergrove, she took a deep breath, then sprinted toward the monolith, her heart pounding in her chest.

The guardian roared, sensing her intention, and lashed out, but Seraphina was too fast. She leapt over a vine that attempted to ensnare her, her gaze fixed solely on the monolith.

Reaching out, she touched its surface just as the guardian's massive hand swiped inches from her back.