mind

Emily's mind raced as the weight of their discovery sank in. The answers they needed lay before them, but every revelation brought a new wave of doubt. The ancient texts she had uncovered were not just a guide to control the relic, but a warning—one that echoed through time like the final, desperate plea of a civilization on the brink of collapse.

For the first time since she had set out on this journey, Emily wasn't sure if she was strong enough to face what lay ahead.

"We should leave this chamber for now," she finally said, her voice steadier than she felt. "We need to study the texts more carefully and make sure we know what we're dealing with before we go any further."

Mara and Calem nodded in agreement, though Emily could see the exhaustion in their eyes. They had been through so much already, and the thought of what was still to come weighed heavily on them all.