Marcus and Cynthia stepped into the mouth of the cave, the darkness swallowing them whole. Instantly, a pulse of magic surged through their bodies, crawling over their skin like static before sinking into their veins, deep and visceral. The very air twisted around them, shimmering faintly as the walls of the cave warped and bent, shifting like liquid shadows.
A strange hum filled the air.
"What's going on?" Marcus muttered sharply, reflexively summoning flames that burst from his palms, the fire dancing wildly with his elevated pulse, flaring hot enough to briefly illuminate even the highest cracks in the stone.
Cynthia didn't hesitate. Her eyes swept the unstable stone around them. With practiced calm, she stepped forward and pressed her palm gently against the cave wall. A soft aura of blue magic emanated from her fingers, anchoring into the rock. Gradually, the distortion slowed, then stopped, as if soothed by her touch.
