The group had set up camp a short distance from the labyrinth's exit, the warmth of the fire providing a comforting contrast to the cool night air. The newly acquired artifact, a teardrop-shaped crystal pulsating with a faint blue light, rested on a makeshift pedestal fashioned from a flat rock.
Mallory sat cross-legged beside the crystal, her brow furrowed in concentration. The orb she had carried throughout their journey now lay dormant, its energy seemingly transferred to the new artifact. She could feel a subtle connection to the crystal, an almost imperceptible hum at the edge of her consciousness.
Alex approached, his footsteps muffled by the grass. "Any luck deciphering its purpose?"
Mallory shook her head. "Not yet. It's like it's waiting for something, but I can't figure out what."
Greg, who had been tending to the fire, chimed in. "Maybe it's voice-activated. Have you tried saying 'open sesame'?"
