The sound of breaking chains echoed throughout the Heart Chamber.
CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!
Each metallic crack shook the floor beneath their feet.
The enormous crystal Heart pulsed violently above the chamber, golden light bursting from widening fractures across its surface.
The two crimson eyes hidden inside stared outward.
Watching.
Waiting.
Awake.
Emily felt a chill race through her body.
Something was wrong.
Terribly wrong.
The Sanctuary itself seemed to feel it.
Far beyond the chamber walls, alarms began ringing throughout the ancient city.
Deep warning bells.
Ancient bells.
The kind meant to signal catastrophe.
"The seal is failing," Orion said grimly.
The ancient guardian stepped forward, golden energy swirling around him.
His normally calm face had become tense.
Fear flickered in his eyes.
Fear.
The sight alone frightened Emily more than the cracking Heart.
If Orion was afraid...
How bad was the situation really?
"Everyone, stand back," he ordered.
