The *Gallivant* danced through the cosmos like a blade through silk, each turn and twist a seductive promise to the stars. As they left the dark alleys of Shadow's Crest behind, the Heart of Tenebris nestled in their hold began to exert a more palpable influence, its low hum a constant undercurrent to their conversations.
"Feels like we're babysitting a gothic romance novel's brooding hero," Loxley remarked, watching the artifact through the security feed. "Mysterious, possibly dangerous, and undeniably attractive."
Vela rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Just so long as it doesn't start reciting poetry at us. I'm not sure the ship's insurance covers emotional damage."
In the engine room, Mara and Jenkins were engaged in their usual routine, though the artifact's presence seemed to hang over them like a sultry mist. "You know," Mara said, wiping her brow, "if that thing starts whispering sweet nothings, I'm throwing it out the airlock."