The Serpent of Shadows' cryptic message echoes in your mind as you traverse through the dense, shadowed forest. Suddenly, you stumble upon a clearing where an ancient tree stands tall, its gnarled roots twisting into the ground like serpents. A figure steps out from behind the tree, their cloak billowing in the wind. 'I am Marina, Guardian of the Woods,' they declare. 'Morokh's lair lies beyond this point, but beware, for his hunger knows no bounds.' Marina gestures towards a narrow path leading deeper into the woods, shrouded in mist and mystery.