**Chapter 16: The Darkness Consumes**

As Kaelith's knees crawled up the ground, Mori felt a sense of desperation wash over her. She was trapped, bound by the vines that seemed to be growing stronger by the second. She tried to struggle, but it was no use. The more she moved, the tighter the vines seemed to constrict around her. Kaelith's eyes never left hers as he positioned himself over her. Mori could feel his hot breath on her skin, making her shiver with fear. She tried to close her legs, but they were stuck fast, unable to move. Just as Kaelith was about to lower himself onto her, a loud rumbling sound echoed through the ruin. The ground began to shake, and the vines that bound Mori started to loosen. Kaelith's eyes flicked away from hers, and he looked up, his expression alert. Mori took advantage of the distraction to try and free herself. She strained against the vines, and to her relief, they began to unravel. As she sat up, she saw a figure emerging from the darkness. It was a woman, tall and imposing, with long silver hair that cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight. Her eyes gleamed with a fierce light, and Mori could sense a powerful magic emanating from her. The woman strode towards them, her eyes fixed on Kaelith. "You dare to bring her here?" she thundered, her voice like a crack of thunder. "You think you can use her for your own purposes?" Kaelith scrambled to his feet, his face pale. "Eira, I-" The woman raised a hand, and Kaelith was silenced. Mori watched in amazement as he took a step back, his eyes downcast. Eira turned to Mori, her expression softening. "Child, I am so sorry," she said, her voice gentle. "You are not safe here. Come with me, and I will take you to a place where you can be free." Mori hesitated, unsure of what to do. But as she looked into Eira's eyes, she saw a kindness and a determination that made her trust this stranger. She nodded, and Eira reached out to help her to her feet. As they walked away from Kaelith, Mori glanced back over her shoulder. She saw him standing there, his eyes fixed on her with a mixture of desire and anger. She shuddered, feeling a chill run down her spine. Eira seemed to sense her fear, and she wrapped a protective arm around Mori's shoulders. "You are safe now," she said. "I will not let him harm you." Mori smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this mysterious woman. She had no idea what lay ahead, but with Eira by her side, she felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. Together, they walked into the unknown, leaving the darkness of the ruin behind.