The air around us sparkled for a brief moment before settling into the damp, oppressive atmosphere of the swamp. Ardan and I staggered as our surroundings materialised in front of us: a vast expanse of muddy water, twisted trees, and a blanket of fog that shrouded our vision. The teleportation spell had brought us to the right place, but something felt wrong.

Ardan ran a hand through his hair, trying to summon the magic that had served him so well before, but nothing came. His focus faltered, and he cursed under his breath.

"What is it?" I asked, sensing the shift in his mood.

"My magic…" Ardan began, looking around...