The dense fog that veiled their path began to turn faintly crimson, as though blood itself seeped through the air. The metallic tang of rust struck their senses with each breath. She faltered for only a heartbeat, then pressed forward—knowing well that if they paused even for a single breath, the mist would devour them whole.
Amid the suffocating silence, a sound arose from the ground beneath them. It was like the voices of hundreds chanting in unison, swearing an oath. The resonance was so deep it shook their bones, every word piercing straight into the heart of whoever heard it.
"This isn't a mere curse…" one companion murmured, trembling. "It's a blood vow—whoever dares to cross it must pay the price."
She lifted her gaze. Ahead, within the red mist, a towering silhouette emerged. Its eyes burned like fire, and at its feet a circle of ancient sigils pulsed with the lingering power of an unbroken vow.
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