Story 377: The Heart of the Storm

Zara circled the glowing orb cautiously, its rhythmic hum vibrating in her chest. The device pulsated with unnatural energy, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls of the dilapidated supply depot. Rowan stood guard, his weapon ready, while Kellan tinkered with a rusted console nearby, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Careful, Zara," Rowan warned. "We don’t know what we’re dealing with here."

"No kidding," Zara muttered, crouching to examine the orb closer. Its surface was smooth, but tendrils of energy seemed to writhe beneath, like a living, breathing entity. Her gut told her this was no ordinary tech—it was something far more dangerous.

Kellan let out a low whistle. "This isn’t just an energy source. It’s a beacon."

"A beacon?" Zara repeated, her tone sharp.