Chapter 20: Riddles of the Cosmos

The shimmering portal seemed to pulsate, growing fainter with every passing second. Elysia's heart raced, knowing that it held the key to their exit, or perhaps another layer of the challenge.

"Malachi!" she called out, trying to bridge the vast distances between the fragmented platforms, "Can you see the portal from where you are?"

A momentary silence ensued before Malachi's voice, tinged with urgency, responded, "Yes, but it's shifting. Every time I take a step towards it, the path alters."

Isolde, her voice echoing from another fragment, interjected, "It's like the maze is sentient, responding to our every move, our every emotion. It's a dance of intention."

Niamh, her tone contemplative, added, "Then we need to change our approach. Instead of trying to navigate the maze, we must understand it, resonate with it."

Liora's soft voice floated across, "Every realm, every challenge we've faced, it's always been about balance, about understanding dualities. The maze is no different."

El