0224 -

The chamber was a tumultuous whirlwind of energy and shadows, the dark force's erratic pulses causing the walls to tremble. Wei Lin's hands moved rapidly over the symbols, her face a mask of determination as she tried to maintain control over the destabilizing energy.

Selene, her focus intense, adjusted the alignment of the final symbols with precision. "We're close. If we can just get this right, we might be able to completely disrupt the ritual."

Jian's face was streaked with sweat as he continued to position the dagger. "The energy is reacting strongly. We need to ensure every piece is in its correct place."

The rhythmic thudding of the dark energy grew more insistent, almost like a living heartbeat echoing through the chamber. Mara's eyes were fixed on the entrances, her senses alert for any signs of the Covenant forces. "I can hear movement. They're getting closer. We need to finish this before they arrive."