Chapter 3: Beyond the Walls

With the first rays of dawn, Lilith quietly left the city, leaving behind everything familiar. Her heart was filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety, but determination pushed her forward. The city gates closed behind her, and Lilith embarked on the path laid out by the map. She knew there was no turning back.

Beyond the walls, the town seemed like a tiny dot against the vast wastelands. The landscape, which at first glance appeared lifeless, quickly turned into a daunting sea of dead plains, where the few trees looked like broken, dried-up ghosts. Lilith followed the course marked on the map, her sharp mind noting every detail. Even in this barren place, she felt as if she wasn't alone — the silence was too thick, too tense.

On the third day of her journey, Lilith noticed strange markings etched into the ground and stones. They resembled ancient symbols she had seen in the book, leading her further into the unknown. Following the signs, she came across a half-ruined tower, its stone walls overgrown with moss and hazel trees. The place seemed abandoned, but the spirit of time still lingered there.

Lilith cautiously made her way through the rubble at the entrance, noticing strange patterns on the walls — writings and symbols that reminded her of ancient legends. Inside the tower, in the deep darkness, she found old books, their pages covered with runes. But the most important discovery was an amulet hidden among the books. Its smooth surface was cold to the touch, and in the center, an emblem shimmered, resembling the one depicted on the map.

She knew this artifact wasn't just an ornament — it held some kind of power. Lilith placed the amulet in her bag, feeling as if it was transmitting some energy to her. With each step, her excitement grew — her intuition told her she was close to uncovering something important.

As she ventured deeper into the tower, Lilith stumbled upon a hidden passage. It led to a dungeon where the walls were adorned with ancient altars and symbols glowing faintly in the dark. At that moment, she heard a strange rustling behind her. Her heart froze — ahead were only shadows, and they were beginning to come alive. Lilith gripped the amulet, preparing to face an unknown threat.

The footsteps drew closer, and Lilith felt her blood run cold. But she knew one thing — she couldn't retreat, for ahead could lie the truth that might change everything.