58 The First Stitch

The platform beneath their feet shifted, groaning faintly as cracks in the stone emitted faint glimmers of light. 

The mist cloaking the edges of the arena stirred, swirling like it was alive. 

Serria tightened her grip on her shield, her eyes narrowing as she glanced around.

"Wait… are we moving?" Serria muttered, her voice cutting through the tense silence. 

Zoe's stomach twisted, her knees bending instinctively to steady herself as the room shifted beneath them. 

The descending mist felt heavy, pressing against her senses like it had weight, an almost suffocating reminder of how deep they were going.

As the ground below came into view, the jagged ruins of the arena gave way to a smooth, gently curved surface.

The team scrambled to their feet, weapons raised in readiness. 

The descent jolted to a stop, making everyone stagger slightly.