The group gathered in a tense circle while staring at the massive black formation with its pulsing purple veins.
The steady rhythm of the glow made it feel like they were standing in front of some colossal heart.
"What is this thing?" Kade muttered the same question that Ethan had, gripping his knife tighter.
His voice wavered, as if afraid the rock would answer him back.
"Is it alive?" Nadine asked, taking half a step closer before stopping, torn between curiosity and her survival instinct.
Victor shook his head sharply. "It can't be alive. It's a rock… right?"
"But look at it." Ethan's voice cracked as he pointed. "It's breathing. Don't you see how the light is pulsing like lungs?"
"Heart," Victor corrected.
"R-right. Heart." Ethan looked a little bit embarrassed.
The survivors whispered nervously among themselves, their eyes darting between the strange object and one another.
