Chapter 210: Beneath the Blackened Sky

The first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, casting a pale light over the desolate landscape. The group stood at the edge of the cliff, their gazes fixed on the narrow path that wound its way down the sheer rock face. It was barely wide enough for a single person, and the drop on either side was dizzying. Below, the valley was shrouded in mist, obscuring whatever lay at the bottom.

Elara took a deep breath, steeling herself for the descent. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but they had no choice. The ancient city they sought lay on the other side of the valley, and time was not on their side. The longer they delayed, the greater the risk that the forces of darkness would regroup and strike again.

"We'll need to move carefully," Elias warned, his eyes scanning the path. "One wrong step and it could be fatal."

Kirin nodded in agreement. "We should go one at a time. I'll go first to check for any traps or unstable sections."