Chapter 1221

They followed the glowing symbols deeper into the cave, past chambers filled with strange echoes, past a narrow tunnel that forced them to move single-file. The air grew warmer, tinged with something almost sweet - like crushed flowers and honey left too long in the sun.

The cave opened suddenly into a dome-like space. The walls were smooth, but streaked with crystalline veins of blue and violet light. In the center was a pool - clear, unmoving, like glass - and above it, hovering inches above the water, was the source of the chime.

A floating object - orb-like, not metal, not glass, but something between. It spun slowly, casting waves of light across the walls and onto their skin.

Sophie stepped forward first. "What is it?"

Zoey moved beside her, her voice low. "It feels… like it's watching us. But not in a creepy way. More like it's waiting."

Lucy stepped around the pool, fingers outstretched. "Can I…?"