The hidden chamber was beneath the Ashen Cathedral — a tunnel they found after the battle.
Miko and Kael descended — shadows lighting the way.
The air grew colder — heavy with old magic.
The seal pulsed — louder.
Listen.
Miko felt dizzy — head spinning.
The voices were constant now.
Open.
Free.
Us.
You.
She pressed her hands to her temples.
Kael stopped.
"Miko."
She shook her head.
"It's louder."
Kael took her arm.
"Can you still control it?"
Miko nodded — shaky.
"I think so."
They reached the chamber.
Small — circular.
In the center — another artifact.
A black ring — obsidian, crimson veins.
It pulsed — in time with Miko's seal.
The voices roared.
Wear me.
Miko staggered.
Kael caught her.
"Don't."
Miko looked at the ring.
"It wants me to."
Kael's voice was quiet.
"Then don't."
Miko reached out — slow.
The ring lifted — floated toward her.
The voices screamed.
Yes.
Now.
Miko felt dizzy — vision blurring.
The seal surged — power flooding her veins.
Crimson light leaked from her eyes.
Kael pulled her back.
"Miko!"
She fought — pushing back.
No.
The ring trembled — then fell.
Landed on the floor — dim.
The voices quieted — sulky.
Miko collapsed — Kael catching her.
She breathed — ragged.
"I almost… lost it."
Kael held her close.
"But you didn't."
Miko looked at him.
"It's getting stronger."
Kael nodded.
"I know."
Miko closed her eyes.
"I can still fight it."
Kael's voice was quiet.
"I know."
They sat — in the dark.
The seal pulsed — once, gentle.
Soon.
Miko opened her eyes.
"We keep going."
Kael nodded.
"Together."
Miko smiled — small.
"Together."
They stood.
Left the chamber.
The seal stayed quiet.
But Miko knew.
It was waiting.
To be continued…