forward, navigating through an archway that appeared out of nowhere—its edges glowing faintly with the same eerie energy that had filled the ruins since they'd entered. As they passed through, they found themselves standing in a large, circular chamber, its walls lined with strange, glowing runes.
At the center of the room, suspended in midair, was a large stone pedestal, atop which rested a single artifact—a vampire sigil, an ancient symbol said to hold the power to control entire vampire clans. The sigil was etched in silver and bloodstone, glowing faintly as if alive with magic.
Lucian stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the pulse of power emanating from the artifact, and with it, a deep, unsettling presence. It was as if the sigil was waiting for him, calling to him.
"That's it," Lyra whispered, awe and fear mixing in her voice. "The artifact we've been searching for."
But Lucian didn't move. Instead, he took a step back, his mind racing. The sigil was more than just a tool of power—it was a key. A key to something far more dangerous. He had a feeling that once they touched it, the full force of the Abyssal Ruins would awaken, and they might not make it out alive.
"Something's wrong," Lucian murmured, his crimson gaze narrowing as the room grew colder.
Before he could warn them further, the walls trembled again, louder this time. A low, malevolent laugh echoed from the shadows. It was deep, mocking—familiar.
"Well, well, well… what do we have here?"
Lucian's blood ran cold.
It was Ronan.