(POV Björn)

 As we all wake up after defeating our nightmares at the other end of the path, we celebrate, but then we realize that Cordelia is missing. Panic sets in as we frantically scan our surroundings, calling out her name in desperation. But she is nowhere to be found. We exchange worried glances, each of us grappling with the unsettling realization that Cordelia is not with us.

 In our distress, we call out to Iria, hoping they might have some answers. Moments later, they appear on their beast with a sinister smile playing on their lips. "Well, well, you called," they remark, their tone dripping with malice.

 I can feel anger boiling within me as I demand, "Where is Cordelia?" My words are sharp and laced with frustration.

 Iria's smile widens, their eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, it seems Cordelia isn't here," they reply, their voice dripping with sinister satisfaction. "What a shame."

 Dread settles over us like a heavy blanket as we realize that Cordelia's absence may not be a mere coincidence. With Iria’s ominous words hanging in the air, we exchange worried glances, knowing that we must find Cordelia before it's too late.

 As we embark on our journey to find Cordelia, Iria's ominous words hang heavy in the air, casting a shadow of uncertainty over our quest. Their voice echoes in our minds, each word sending a shiver down our spines.

 "You won't find her," Iria's voice rings out, filled with foreboding. "She is still trapped in her nightmares, and as I just found out, she is running out of time. She wasn't able to defeat her nightmare, so..."

 Their voice trails off ominously, leaving the rest unsaid.

 Fear grips my heart like a vice as I contemplate the implications of Iria's words. Cordelia, our dear friend and companion, is still lost in the clutches of her darkest fears, unable to break free. The thought of her suffering alone in the darkness fills me with a sense of helplessness and despair.

 But amidst the fear and uncertainty, a glimmer of determination ignites within me. We cannot abandon Cordelia to her fate. We must find her, whatever it takes. With renewed resolve, we press onward, our hearts heavy with worry but determined to bring our friend back from the depths of her nightmares.

I ask determinedly” where is she?”

Iria laughs maniacally then answer,

 “In the heart of darkness, where shadows roam free,

A flicker of hope is where you will find me.

Seek out the echoes of a whispered name,

To unravel the mystery and break the chain.

Follow the path of stars that shine so bright,

To discover the truth and bring back the light.”

Iria’s says hauntingly” Solve the riddle and you will find her”.

—

As we begin our search, we venture into the darkest and most ominous part of the forest, where the shadows loom large, and the air is heavy with foreboding. We believe that Cordelia might be hidden in this area, so we press forward with cautious determination.

 Amidst the oppressive darkness, we catch sight of a faint glimmer of light, beckoning us forward. Following its ethereal glow, we stumble upon a small clearing where a single flower blooms defiantly amidst the gloom. It’s a small sign of hope in the midst of despair, spurring us on in our quest.

 We continue our search, our resolve bolstered by this flicker of hope. As we delve deeper into the forest, we begin to hear faint echoes of Cordelia’s name, carried on the whispering wind. The sound leads us onwards, guiding our steps with an unseen hand.

 Following the echoes, we find ourselves in a clearing where the night sky stretches overhead, the stars shining brightly through the canopy of trees. They form a constellation that seems to point the way forward, a celestial guide leading us towards our destination.

 With the stars as our compass, we press on through the dense forest, following the path they illuminate. Eventually, we arrive at a hidden grove, where Cordelia lies trapped within her nightmares. She is surrounded by a palpable darkness, her features twisted in distress as she struggles against the unseen forces that bind her.

 —

 With a sense of urgency, they gather around Cordelia, their expressions a mixture of concern and determination. Helgi kneels beside her, gently shaking her shoulder in an attempt to rouse her from her slumber. "Cordelia, wake up," he urges, his voice filled with urgency.

But Cordelia remains unresponsive, lost in the depths of her nightmares. As the group exchanges worried glances, the gravity of their situation weighs heavily upon them. Time is running out, and they know they must act quickly to free Cordelia from the clutches of her fears.

 With a shared sense of purpose, they form a circle around Cordelia, joining hands in a silent vow to stand by her side and help her overcome her nightmares.

Together, they close their eyes and focus their thoughts, sending waves of positive energy and support towards Cordelia in a collective effort to bring her back to consciousness. As they concentrate, a soft glow begins to emanate from their joined hands, enveloping Cordelia in a warm, comforting light. Slowly but surely, the darkness that shrouds her begins to recede, replaced by the gentle radiance of hope and encouragement.

—

 (POV Cordelia)

 As consciousness slowly returns, I notice bright light shining through a crack somewhere and I find myself engulfed in a haze of disorientation. The darkness that once suffocated me begins to recede, replaced by a dim, uncertain light that filters through the shadows. With each shallow breath, I struggle to shake off the remnants of despair that cling to my senses like a heavy shroud.

As I gradually regain my bearings, a sense of determination takes hold. Despite the lingering echoes of fear and doubt, I draw strength from the memories of all the wonderful people I've met during this journey in this otherworldly place. Their faces flash before my mind's eye, reminding me of the courage and resilience I've witnessed in each of them.

With each breath, I summon a glimmer of courage from deep within myself. I remind myself of all the challenges I've overcome in the past, the moments where I've stood tall in the face of adversity. Drawing upon these memories, I begin to channel my fear and frustration into a sense of resolve.

Instead of fighting against the chains that bind me, I start to accept them, acknowledging their presence without letting them define me. With a newfound sense of purpose, I focus on finding a way to break free from the darkness, not physically, but emotionally and mentally.

I visualize myself overcoming the obstacles in my path, envisioning a future where I'm no longer held captive by my fears. As I confront my nightmare head-on, I realize that true liberation comes from within.

 By embracing my inner strength and refusing to succumb to despair, I gradually chip away at the walls of darkness surrounding me, until finally, a ray of light breaks through, illuminating the path to freedom.

With a final surge of determination, I break free from my mental shackles, emerging from the darkness with a newfound sense of empowerment. Though my nightmare may have tested me to my limits, I emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead." As I walk out of this pit of darkness, I see a soft light glowing in front of me as I reach out my hand to touch the light, I heard familiar voices echoing in the light and with one touch I am lifted up through a colorful hurricane and within moments my eyes flutter open, my gaze filled with confusion and fear.

But as I take in the sight of my friends surrounding me, their faces filled with love and determination, a sense of calm washes over me. And I know I am not alone in this struggle, and with their unwavering support, I find the strength to confront my fears and emerge victorious.

—

With a grateful smile, Cordelia reaches out to her friends, clasping their hands in hers as they stand united against the darkness that threatens to engulf them. In that moment, they realize that together, they are stronger than any nightmare, and no challenge is too great to overcome when faced with the power of friendship and solidarity.

 As they stand together in the dappled sunlight of the forest, a sense of peace descends upon them, a silent promise that no matter what trials lie ahead, they will always stand by each other’s side, ready to face whatever obstacles come their way. And with that unspoken vow, they know that their journey is far from over, but they are prepared to face it together, as a united and unwavering force of hope and courage.