The endless wetland stretched into the misty distance beneath the phosphorescent glow of the pale-green sky.
Twisted mangrove roots the thickness of ancient castle pillars rose out of the stagnant, murky water like the rotting ribs of sunken galleons.
Every breath drawn in this alien domain felt gritty and abrasive, as if microscopic grains of crushed quartz were scraping against their throats.
Hajin led his vanguard along a narrow causeway of petrified wood that hovered barely three inches above the bubbling waterline.
Beside him, Juna and Loccy kept a relaxed but coiled guard, while Vella walked with steady steps, observing the strange vegetation with quiet interest.
Ten paces ahead of the main column, Cassie, Jonas, and Toby navigated the slippery petrified wood with intense, disciplined concentration.
"Keep your feet centered on the petrified ridges, Jonas," Cassie warned in a low, focused whisper, her hand resting firmly against her longsword hilt.
