CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY – BE ON GUARD

The next morning dawned crisp and clear, a deceptively beautiful day for such a dangerous undertaking. Laura and Logan were provided with supplies and a rough map to the temple's location, along with cryptic warnings about the challenges they might face. As they prepared to depart, Elena appeared, her expression unreadable. "Be careful out there," she said, her eyes lingering on Laura. "The temple's guardians are ancient and cunning. Trust nothing you see or hear." Laura felt a flutter in her stomach at Elena's concern. "Thank you for the warning. We'll be on our guard." With a final nod to Lord Vladislav and the assembled council members, Laura and Logan set out, the weight of their mission heavy on their shoulders. The journey into the Carpathian Mountains was arduous, the terrain growing increasingly treacherous as they ventured deeper into the wilderness. By the third day, they found themselves navigating narrow mountain paths, sheer drops on one side and imposing rock faces on