CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY - FOUR - THE MAGE’S FORTRESS

"Quickly," Freya said, her voice strained. "I can't hold it for long." One by one, they crossed the magical bridge. Anna's heart raced with each step, acutely aware of the enchanted water on either side. As she reached the other bank, she let out a sigh of relief. Once everyone was safely across, Freya released the spell. The river returned to its deceptively serene state, as if nothing had happened. "That was too close," Anna murmured, still shaken by the experience. Magnus nodded grimly. "And I've got a feeling it's only going to get worse from here." He was right. As they continued their journey, the forest seemed to grow darker and more foreboding. The trees pressed in closer, their branches intertwining overhead to block out what little light filtered through. Strange whispers seemed to echo around them, just on the edge of hearing. "Keep your guard up," Freya warned. "This part of the forest is thick with malevolent energy. Anything could happen." They walked in tense sile