"What's happening?" Markos asked, catching Sintija and steadying her as the earth quaked. The amethystine crystal emitted a high pitched ringing noise, reverberating with a ominous glow.
"It's waking up," Apoline said quickly. "I don't have much time." She looked to Markos fear shone in the projection of her eyes but her jaw was set with determination. "You've all been chosen to face this. I was never meant for this place but you… are connected to it. It recognizes what lies within you."
Markos's hands trembled as he looked from Apoline towards the crystal. "Face what? What are we facing as part of the trials?"
Metal squelched against stone from the direction of the temple. Markos's gaze jerked towards it. The statue with the stars in its eyes was pulling itself free from its place beside the door. Each step sent shock waves through the ground. Its armor groaned and rumbled as it moved.
