Maravelle opened the pouch in her hand. Inside was the Heart of Nyxa — a small, dark crystal that glowed faintly. For a moment, she hesitated.
"Put it on the altar," Gathera said again.
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, faster — until it sounded like a real heart pounding in the dark.
"What are you doing?" Maravelle shouted over the noise.
"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.
"The master has heard you," the shadow said, its voice echoing around the cave. "He knows your wish."
