The luminous orb pulsed with warmth, casting a gentle glow upon Elena, Liam, and Finn. Relief washed over them, but it was fleeting. The air in the Shrine of Luminous Dawn crackled with residual energy, a stark reminder of the battle they had just fought. As Elena reached out to touch the orb, a chilling draft swept through the chamber, extinguishing the warm light and plunging them back into near darkness.
"What…?" Finn stammered, his hand instinctively reaching for his dagger.
The orb, moments before a beacon of hope, now hung suspended in the air, its light fractured and distorted, like a reflection in a shattered mirror. Instead of radiating warmth, it emitted a low, guttural hum that vibrated through the temple floor.
"It's…corrupted," Elena whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief. "The void…it's tainted the orb."
Liam gripped his sword tighter. "But how? We cleansed the spirits, performed the ritual…"