The cavern air is thick with dust, ancient stone corridors stretching endlessly into the gloom. Flickering torchlight barely holds back the pressing dark, revealing carvings of winged creatures etched into the temple walls. Some butterflies, some birds, some…things far stranger. The weight of history clings to the space, heavy as the silence before a storm.

Varl steps forward, their boots scuffing against the cracked stone floor, greatsword balanced easily against their shoulder. Their violet cloak, frayed at the edges but still regal, sways behind them like the last flutter of a butterfly’s wings. They take in the surroundings with the sharp, wary gaze of someone who expects a fight at any moment.

A soft thump breaks the silence.

Varl doesn’t need to turn around to know who’s behind them. They exhale sharply, voice edged with exasperation.

"If your cat just knocked over another ancient artifact, I swear—"

"Relax, Butterfly Knight." *Alora’s voice is laced with amusement as she saunters up beside them, lantern in one hand, the other tucked casually into her belt. Spark, her ever-present feline companion, perches smugly on her shoulder, tail flicking in satisfaction. Something definitely just crashed behind them, but she doesn’t even look back.

Varl clenches their jaw. They should have known better than to take this job.

"You dragged me halfway across Ardonia for this, so tell me," they say, scanning the darkened temple, their grip tightening on their sword hilt. "Is this treasure of yours actually real, or am I wasting my time?"

"Oh, it’s real," Alora says, her grin sharp and knowing. "The Phoenix Blossom, the greatest treasure of them all. Said to grant your deepest desire. Said to be untouchable. Said to be lost to time."

She turns to Varl, eyes gleaming.

"Good thing I don’t believe in ‘untouchable,’ huh?"

Varl exhales, their patience already wearing thin.

"Let’s just get this over with. And if that damn cat trips another trap, I’m leaving him here."