The sanctuary's eerie quietness seemed to deepen after Mia's revelation in the crystalline chamber. The survivors filed back into the central atrium, each step echoing against the ancient stone walls. The orb Mia had activated still pulsed faintly in her hands, its light flickering like a fading heartbeat. Despite the newfound hope it represented, tension buzzed in the air, thick and unrelenting.
Ruby's voice cut through the silence, sharp and commanding. "Everyone stays vigilant. We don't know what else might be lurking here. Caleb, take point. Finn, keep working on that device. Mia, rest if you can, but don't let go of that thing." She gestured toward the orb, her jaw clenched. "Whatever it's doing, we'll need it soon."
Zoe moved to Mia's side, her hand resting protectively on her sister's arm. "How are you holding up?" she asked softly.
