Maravelle took a deep breath and set the crystal down.
The ground shook. The flames rose higher, turning darker, and strange symbols on the walls began to glow red. Gathera lifted her hands and started to chant in a language Maravelle didn't know.
The Heart began to beat, slowly at first, then faster and faster, until it sounded like a real heart pounding in the dark.
"What are you doing?" Maravelle asked.
"You asked for power," Gathera said, her eyes shining. "Now you will have it."
The light from the flames twisted and pulled together into one shape, a tall shadow standing on the altar. It had the form of a man, but its body was made of smoke, and its eyes burned red.
"My master has heard you," the shadow said, its voice echoing around the cave. "He knows your wish."
Maravelle stood firm. "Then tell him I kept my word. I brought the Heart."
The shadow tilted its head.
"He knows," Gathera said. "And he accepts your gift."
