The Heart of Aurelia pulsed above the chamber.
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
Each beat sent waves of golden energy through the room.
The massive crystal heart floated in midair, surrounded by countless glowing symbols.
Ancient power filled every corner of the chamber.
The air itself seemed alive.
Watching.
Waiting.
Judging.
Emily couldn't take her eyes off it.
After everything.
The visions.
The Sanctuary.
The Guardian Beast.
The Hollow Ones.
It had all led here.
To the Heart.
And standing beneath it—
Was Cassian.
Smiling.
Calm.
Composed.
As though he wasn't standing before one of the most powerful artifacts in history.
As though he had already won.
Alexander immediately stepped in front of Emily.
His expression turned ice-cold.
"Cassian."
The man's smile widened.
"Alexander."
The two men stared at each other.
Neither willing to look away.
The tension in the chamber became unbearable.
The Watchers raised their weapons.
The Guardian Beast growled.
