---
The days passed, and the pool of black liquid remained an enigma. It did not grow, shrink, or ripple. It simply existed, a piece of the heart that refused to fully die. Bob, Freya, Apollo, and Felicia took turns watching it, wary of any change.
As they waited, a strange stillness settled over the group. The usual banter was gone, replaced by quiet discussions about the Keeper's warning and what lay ahead.
It was Felicia who finally broke the tension one evening. "We can't stay here forever, you know. Whatever this thing is, it's not going to reveal its secrets just because we're staring at it."
Freya nodded, adjusting her axe. "Agreed. If this is a piece of the heart, maybe there's a way to stop it from... reforming. Or at least keep it contained."
Apollo, ever the strategist, studied the pool intently. "We'd need to find something strong enough to hold it. Something that can withstand its energy without breaking."
