"He found it."
Orion's words echoed through the Sanctuary.
The atmosphere instantly became heavy.
Dangerous.
The explosion that had shaken the city moments earlier still lingered in everyone's minds.
Cassian had found the Heart.
The one thing Aurelia had sacrificed everything to protect.
The one thing hidden for thousands of years.
The one thing capable of changing the world.
Emily's stomach tightened.
"We have to stop him."
Orion nodded immediately.
"Yes."
For the first time since appearing, the ancient guardian looked genuinely concerned.
"The Heart was never meant to awaken this way."
Alexander stepped forward.
"Then take us to it."
The Guardian's golden eyes shifted toward the city center.
Toward the massive beam of light piercing the sky.
"The Heart Chamber lies beneath the Citadel."
Emily followed his gaze.
At the very center of the Sanctuary stood the largest structure she had ever seen.
A golden fortress.
Massive towers stretched toward the heavens.
