Dread

As Emery fixated on the gaping crack in the crystal, it felt as though he were peering into the very depths of an abyss, and an unnerving sensation washed over him. The aura emanating from the fissure was nothing short of terrifying, causing him to tremble involuntarily. It was Cthulhu's voice that snapped him out of his trance.

<The aura... It's the scourge... it's stored there!>

"Scourge!? what is that?!" Emery questioned, his curiosity mixed with a growing sense of dread.

Cthulhu did not respond immediately. Instead, Emery sensed an undercurrent of amusement in its presence before it finally spoke again. "<Its been a while... this is good... wait... no, bad.>"

Frustration welled up within Emery as he demanded, "Dammit, Cthulhu, what is it?"