Their journey took them deep into the Catacombs of Dissonance, the air growing colder with each step. The glow of Cyrus's lantern illuminated ancient carvings that seemed to shift when viewed from the corner of the eye.
Kallan felt a strange pull, as though the Solstice was calling to him. "We're close," he said.
They entered a massive chamber, its walls covered in shimmering glyphs. At the center stood the Solstice, its black face glowing faintly. But they weren't alone.
A group of figures cloaked in gray stood around the clock. They turned as Kallan, Lyra, and Cyrus entered. The leader stepped forward, their face obscured by a metallic mask. "You shouldn't have come here," the figure said, their voice distorted.
"Who are you?" Lyra demanded, drawing her dagger.
"Protectors of the Solstice," the leader replied. "We guard it from those who would misuse its power."
"We're not here to misuse anything," Kallan said. "We're trying to stop the Eternal Clock from failing."
The leader hesitated. "If you truly wish to save time, you'll need to prove your intentions. The Solstice tests all who seek its power."
Before they could respond, the glyphs flared to life, and the chamber began to shift. Walls moved, paths disappeared, and the group found themselves separated. Kallan stood alone, the Solstice glowing brighter before him.
A voice echoed in his mind. "Your choices will determine the fate of time. Will you fix what is broken—or break it further?"