The Ruined Temple
The journey was grueling, every step taking them deeper into uncharted lands. At last, the group emerged from the dense forest into a misty valley. The ruins loomed ahead, their ancient stone walls weathered by centuries of neglect. The air thrummed faintly with energy, a tangible reminder of the Moon Goddess’s presence.
“This is it,” Alaric said, his voice reverent as he surveyed the temple. “The heart of the Moon Goddess’s ancient disciples.”
Isla approached the crumbling entrance, her silver hair glowing faintly in the dim light. The moment she crossed the threshold, she felt it—a pulse of energy that shot through her, awakening her senses.
Inside, the temperature dropped sharply. Vines crept along the walls, their leaves glowing faintly with bioluminescent light. Runes etched into the stone floor began to light their path, casting the chamber in an ethereal glow.
Isla’s connection to the Moon Goddess grew stronger with each step, her bond humming like a second heartbeat. “This place is alive,” she murmured, her voice filled with awe.
But as they entered the central chamber, a low growl froze them in their tracks. From the shadows emerged spectral wolves, their translucent forms glowing with a ghostly light. They moved silently, their glowing eyes locked onto the group with a predatory intensity.
Draven growled low, his claws extending as he stepped in front of Isla. “They’re not alive,” he muttered. “They’re shadows.”
“They’re guardians,” Alaric corrected, his tone grim. “They protect the temple’s secrets. If we fail their test, they’ll destroy us.”
The largest of the spectral wolves stepped forward, its massive form towering over Isla. Its growl deepened, reverberating through the chamber like a thunderclap.
The group tensed, readying themselves for a fight. But Isla held up her hand, stepping forward with a calm resolve. “We’re not here to fight,” she said, her silver eyes blazing as she faced the spectral wolf. “We’re here to seek the truth.”
The wolf loomed closer, stopping inches from her. Its glowing eyes bore into hers, and its growl shifted into a low, rumbling voice that chilled her to the bone.
“Prove it,” it said.
