Selene smirked, leaning closer. "Good. Let's keep it that way."
They continued through the fortress, following the Codex's guidance, until they reached a large chamber shrouded in shadows. This room pulsed with dark energy. Ancient tapestries lined the walls, depicting sinister rites and ominous symbols, while tall, jagged statues of robed figures loomed over the space, watching them with hollow, empty eyes.
Mara frowned, eyeing the statues. "There's something… wrong here. It feels like they're watching us."
Darian unsheathed his sword, his stance cautious. "I don't like it either. Let's stay alert."
Wei Lin turned to the Codex, which opened to a blank page that slowly filled with a new set of instructions in the language of the ancients. She could barely make out the message: *Find the heartstone—it weakens the Sect's power.*
