The sentinel lifted its massive sickle, the blade's edges whistling sharply as it arced through the air.
The chamber's air grew heavy, the sound reverberating off the ancient stone walls. Jack stiffened, every muscle tensing as he prepared to counter the next strike.
But before the blow could fall, a sudden surge of energy erupted from the pedestal on the opposite side of the room.
Alisha stood before it, her staff glowing brilliantly as she extended a trembling hand toward the map.
Her face was a mask of concentration, beads of sweat trailing down her temples. Each step closer to the map seemed to draw the last reserves of her strength, but she pressed on, resolute.
The sentinel's head snapped around unnaturally, its glowing, featureless eyes locking onto Alisha.
It paused, as if sniffing the air, and its shadowy form shimmered violently.
