As the group made their way back to Montgomery, a heavy silence settled over them. The victory against the darkness in the ancient ruins had been hard-won, but it left them with more questions than answers. Marinetta couldn't shake the feeling that something was still wrong, something they hadn't yet uncovered.
Zack, who had been walking beside her, finally broke the silence. "What do you think that was back there?" he asked, his voice hushed as if he feared the darkness might still be listening.
Marinetta shook her head. "I don't know, but whatever it was, it wasn't just some random force. It felt... ancient, and powerful. Like it's been waiting there for something—or someone."
Lola, who had been quiet for most of the journey, spoke up, her voice laced with worry. "Do you think it's connected to what's been happening in the other territories? The disappearances, the strange attacks?"
