The Sorceress and the Shadow Wolves

The survivors stood their ground, weapons at the ready as the pack of shadow wolves circled them. The wolves were unlike any creature they had ever seen before; their fur was jet black, and their eyes glowed with an eerie light. Their sharp teeth were bared in a menacing snarl.

Thalia stepped forward, her staff glowing with a warm light. "Stand back," she said to the survivors. "I'll handle this."

The survivors hesitated, unsure if they could trust Thalia. But they had no choice but to watch as she stepped forward, her staff raised.

The shadow wolves snarled and lunged at her, but Thalia was quick. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a blast of energy towards the pack, causing them to scatter. The wolves retreated into the shadows, their growls echoing through the forest.

The survivors were stunned, watching in awe as Thalia stood her ground, her staff still glowing with power.

"How did you do that?" Arin asked, his voice filled with wonder.

Thalia smiled. "I am a sorceress," she said. "I have spent years studying the magic of the realm of shadows. I know how to protect myself."

The survivors exchanged glances, realizing that they had underestimated Thalia. They had thought her just another stranger in the realm of shadows, but she was so much more.

"We owe you our lives," Sarah said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Thalia waved a hand. "There is no need for thanks," she said. "We must keep moving. The shadows are not to be trusted."

The group moved forward, following Thalia as she led them deeper into the forest. The mist grew thicker, making it hard to see.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of a bell ringing in the distance. Thalia's eyes widened in alarm. "We must hurry," she said. "That is the sound of the Shadow King's army approaching."

The survivors quickened their pace, their hearts pounding in their chests. They knew that they had to reach the Keeper's castle before it was too late.

As they ran, they heard the sound of footsteps behind them. They turned to see a figure emerging from the shadows. It was a woman, dressed in a long black cloak. Her eyes were cold and calculating, and she held a sword in her hand.

The survivors drew their weapons, ready to defend themselves.

Thalia stepped forward. "Who are you?" she asked.

The woman smiled, her voice dripping with malice. "I am Lilith," she said. "And I am here to destroy you."

The survivors braced themselves for a battle, but Lilith was quick. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a blast of energy towards Thalia, knocking her to the ground.

The survivors rushed forward, their swords at the ready, but Lilith was too quick. She vanished into the shadows, leaving the group alone in the forest.

Thalia struggled to her feet, her face twisted in pain. "We must keep moving," she said, her voice strained. "We cannot let Lilith stop us."

The group moved forward, their hearts heavy with worry. They knew that Lilith was a formidable foe, and that she would stop at nothing to destroy them.

As they ran, they saw the Keeper's castle in the distance. It was a massive structure, made of black stone. The walls were lined with archers, their arrows at the ready.

Thalia led the survivors to the gate, where they were met by the Keeper himself. He was a tall man, with a long beard and piercing blue eyes.