As they delved deeper into the ancient text, the air around them began to grow thick with an eerie, unsettling energy. Elian felt it first, a creeping sense of dread that seemed to seep into his bones.
Zain noticed it next, her eyes flicking nervously towards the shadows. "Guys, do you feel that?" she whispered.
Kael's eyes narrowed, his gaze scanning the room. "Feel what?"
Lyra's eyes were fixed on the text, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I don't know what you're talking about," she muttered.
But Elian knew exactly what Zain meant. He could feel eyes upon them, a cold, calculating gaze that seemed to bore into their very souls.
And then, in the corner of his eye, Elian saw it. A shadowy figure, tall and imposing, watching them with an unblinking gaze.
Elian's heart skipped a beat as he spun around, but the figure was gone. Or was it?
"Guys, I think we have a problem," Elian said, his voice low and urgent.
Zain's eyes locked on his, her face pale. "What is it?"
Elian hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "I think we're being watched."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "By who?"
Elian shook his head. "I don't know. But I think we need to get out of here. Now."
As they turned to leave, Lyra spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think it's too late for that."
The lights flickered and died, plunging the room into darkness. And in the shadows, the watcher waited, its eyes fixed on them with an unspeakable hunger...