The Heart of the Temple

The air was thick with anticipation as we stood before the pedestal, the artifact that was supposed to stabilize the crystal just inches away. The chamber was silent, save for the faint hum of magic that seemed to pulse in time with my heartbeat. I felt the weight of the crystal, heavier now, resting in my pocket, its energy humming erratically. My fingers itched to reach out and touch the artifact, but something deep inside me warned of the power it contained—power that could just as easily destroy as it could save.

I glanced at my companions. Leif stood tense, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready for whatever might come. Raven's sharp eyes flicked between me and the artifact, her brow furrowed with concern. Zara was the closest, her hands tracing the ancient symbols on the pedestal, muttering under her breath as she tried to decipher them.