CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN – THE NEXT DESTINATION

The next morning, as they packed up camp, Arryk revealed the location of their next ingredient. "We seek the Waters of Clarity," he explained, unfurling an ancient map. "They flow from a hidden spring deep within a network of caves to the north." Erik studied the map with a furrowed brow. "These caves look treacherous. Are you sure it's safe for Anna in her condition?" Anna bristled slightly at his overprotectiveness. "I can handle it, Erik. We've come too far to turn back now." Arryk nodded approvingly. "The young Luna is right. The ritual requires both of you to face these trials together." They set off through the dense jungle, the humidity even more oppressive than before. After several hours of trekking, they came upon the mouth of a cave, half-hidden behind a curtain of vines. As they stood at the entrance, peering into the darkness beyond, Anna felt a knot of anxiety form in her stomach. The cave seemed to stretch endlessly, its depths swallowed by shadows. Erik must have