I could feel my pulse hammering in my throat as the Stone Sentinel's hollow gaze swept across the chamber. Its eyes were empty sockets, but somehow, I knew it was looking at me.
The machine stepped forward, one arm still raised to keep me back, its posture shifting into something more defensive. It was assessing the threat, calculating the best approach.
But there were seven alcoves.
And more statues were beginning to move.
I couldn't let it carry the entire burden. If I did, it would only be a matter of time before the Sentinels overwhelmed and destroyed it. And without it, I was as good as dead.
I had to help this time.
"Machine," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "Prioritize the ones on the left. I'll take the one that's already out."
For a moment, nothing happened. Then the machine's head turned toward me, its blue eyes flickering once, twice, like it was processing what I'd said. Or maybe it was just surprised.
