The journey to the Valley of Winds was tense and silent after the ambush. The sanctum team moved with heightened caution, their eyes scanning every shadow and ear tuned to the faintest sound. Darian felt the Heart pulsing faintly against his chest, its light providing a sense of direction even in the oppressive darkness.
Alina walked beside him, her staff gripped tightly. "Do you think Selara's telling the truth?" she asked quietly.
Darian glanced toward Selara, who led the way with a calm and deliberate stride. "I don't know," he admitted. "But the Heart hasn't rejected her, which means there's at least a chance she's genuine. For now, we have to focus on the sanctum."
The group crested a ridge, and the Valley of Winds stretched out before them. The wind howled through the narrow passage, carrying with it an eerie melody that sent chills down their spines.
"There it is," Selara said, pointing to a massive stone structure nestled in the valley's center. The sanctum was ancient, its towering spires carved with intricate runes that glowed faintly in the moonlight.
Darian felt the Heart react, its light growing brighter as they approached. The sanctum seemed to hum in response, as if recognizing the artifact's presence.
"This place is incredible," Alina whispered, her eyes wide.
Edric nodded, his scholar's curiosity overcoming his wariness. "The craftsmanship is unlike anything I've seen. This sanctum must be thousands of years old."
Selara's expression remained neutral. "The Dark Circle knows its value. That's why they'll stop at nothing to claim it."
Activating the Sanctum
As they reached the sanctum's entrance, Darian hesitated. The massive doors were sealed, their runes glowing faintly but not enough to open.
"The Heart will unlock it," Selara said, stepping aside to let Darian approach.
He held the Heart aloft, its light shining brightly. The runes on the doors flared to life, their intricate patterns shifting and twisting until a deep rumble echoed through the valley. Slowly, the doors swung open, revealing a grand chamber bathed in an ethereal glow.
Inside, the sanctum was even more breathtaking. Pillars of shimmering crystal lined the walls, reflecting the Heart's light and amplifying its brilliance. At the center of the chamber stood a pedestal, its surface carved with symbols that seemed to pulse with energy.
Darian approached the pedestal, the Heart guiding him forward. He placed it carefully in the center, and the entire sanctum seemed to come alive. The runes along the walls and floor blazed with light, and a deep, resonant hum filled the air.
"The sanctum is responding to the Heart," Edric said, awe in his voice. "It's amplifying its power."
Alina watched as the energy radiated outward, forming a protective barrier around the sanctum. "This should keep the Dark Circle out," she said. "At least for now."
Selara's Warning
As the team worked to secure the sanctum, Selara stood near the entrance, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
"They'll come soon," she said quietly. "The Dark Circle won't let this go unanswered."
Sumner joined her, his sword resting against his shoulder. "If they do, we'll be ready. You'd better hope you're on the right side when that happens."
Selara glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "I've already chosen my side. Whether you believe me or not is irrelevant."
Sumner frowned but said nothing, his instincts warning him not to push further.
The First Wave
Their preparations were interrupted by the sound of distant drums, a rhythmic pounding that grew louder with each passing moment.
"They're here," Alina said, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.
From the ridge they had crossed earlier, a line of figures appeared, cloaked in darkness and illuminated by the faint glow of their corrupted magic. The Dark Circle's forces were smaller than expected but no less menacing.
"They're testing us," Selara said. "This is only the first wave. They want to gauge our strength."
Darian drew his sword, the Heart's light infusing the blade with a radiant glow. "Then we'll show them we're stronger than they think."
The battle began as the Dark Circle's forces charged. The sanctum team fought with everything they had, their determination bolstered by the sanctum's energy. Darian's blade cut through the shadows, while Alina's staff sent waves of energy that knocked enemies back.
Selara fought alongside them, her dagger flashing in the light as she struck with precision. Despite the lingering distrust, her actions spoke volumes, and even Sumner couldn't deny her skill.
As the last of the attackers fell, the team regrouped, their breaths heavy but their spirits unbroken.
"This was just the beginning," Edric said, his tone grim. "The main force will come soon."
Darian nodded, his grip tightening on his sword. "Then we'll be ready. The sanctum is ours, and we'll protect it at all costs."
Outside, the wind howled through the valley, carrying with it the promise of a greater battle yet to come.