The cave system beneath the Astral Verge was vast and silent. Above them, the distant thrum of the war was entirely gone, replaced by the steady drip of water from high rock arches. Glowing blue crystals dotted the walls, casting a soft, moonlight-like glow across the floor.

Sylvia took a small step sideways, keeping a strict five feet between them. The magical thread around her wrist hummed softly, a faint gold-and-black tether that floated in the dark air.

"Which way?" she asked, keeping her tone cool. She flexed her fingers, trying to spark a bit of sun-magic to warm her hands, but her energy felt small and muffled.

Kaelen closed...