They rested for a short time. Everyone drank water and checked their gear.
Caria sat on a rock and rolled her shoulders. "Next fight better be worth all this climbing."
Lyra looked at the path ahead. "The trail to the peak is exposed. No cover. If something attacks, we'll see it coming—but we'll also be seen."
Sophia nodded. "And magic travels far up here. Whatever is on that peak probably knows we're coming."
Aria stood near the edge and watched the clouds move below. "That magic feels steady. Not wild like the beasts before. More… controlled."
Puddle floated close to the ground, quieter than usual. "Big place… big scary… but team strong."
Rhys stood up. "Alright. Break's over."
The others rose with him.
They started moving again, following the narrow path toward the peak. Snow crunched under their boots, and the wind grew stronger with every step.
After some time, they noticed something ahead.
Lyra stopped suddenly. "Hold up."
