The ground rumbled beneath Alina's feet, ancient stone shifting as the ruins came to life. Dust and debris cascaded from the surrounding pillars, and a deep, resonant hum filled the air, vibrating through her bones.
Kael steadied himself, sword raised, his eyes flicking between their stunned enemies and the glowing slab. "Alina, what did you *do?*"
"I think…" She swallowed, heart pounding. "I activated something."
The robed figures hesitated, their earlier confidence replaced by uncertainty. The one who had wielded magic clenched his fist, his expression darkening. "You've tampered with forces beyond your understanding."
Alina ignored him, her attention locked on the shifting stone slab. The symbols pulsed, moving like clockwork gears—constellations aligning, revealing a new pattern.
Then, with a final *click,* the stone split down the middle.
A narrow gap formed, revealing a staircase spiraling downward into darkness.
A hidden chamber.
The robed figures reacted instantly. "Stop them!"
Kael didn't wait. He lunged at the nearest attacker, his sword flashing in the dim light. Steel clashed, but this time, Kael fought with renewed ferocity. He wasn't just defending—he was *winning.*
Alina didn't hesitate. She darted toward the staircase, gripping the edge as she peered inside. A faint blue glow emanated from below, pulsing like a heartbeat.
This was it. The secret hidden in the Ruins of Eldryn.
She glanced back at Kael. "We have to go *now!*"
Kael struck down his opponent with a swift blow, then turned to the remaining robed figure. "Tell whoever sent you," he said coldly, "that they're too late."
Then he grabbed Alina's wrist, and together, they plunged into the depths below.
As the stone slab began to grind shut behind them, sealing them within, Alina knew there was no turning back.
They had unlocked the past.
Now, they had to survive it.
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