The Coven of the Cornerstone: The essence stealers

Previously

…“There,” Elara breathed, her voice a reverent whisper. “The Cornerstone’s heart.” Lorenzo squinted, his eyes narrowing against the dim light. The temple was a silhouette against the oppressive sky, its lines sharp and unforgiving. “Looks well-guarded,” he murmured, his mind already cataloging potential defenses, escape routes, and the ever-present question of survival. Jose, beside him, merely shivered, the oppressive atmosphere of the place a far more potent chill than the mountain air. The temple seemed to exhale a silent menace, a promise of the darkness that lay within.