Chapter 77 – The Echo of the Sand

The vibration of the stone intensified.

The entire chamber seemed to breathe with it.

—

Kael felt the weight of time pressing against his chest.

As if every beat of his heart was being measured, judged.

When he touched the base of the obelisk, an invisible wave spread outward.

The witches instinctively stepped back.

The ground trembled beneath their feet.

—

Helena was the first to see it.

A shadow began to form above the sand — tall, floating, its edges blurred like dry smoke.

It was a faceless figure, no flesh, only condensed will.

From the center of the chamber, a voiceless voice formed inside all their minds:

> "What was forgotten demands blood to be remembered."

Kael clenched his fists.

— There will be no blood here.

The entity did not retreat.

The sand spiraled around the room, forming small whirlwinds.

The walls of the base shook.

Otrho, watching from the corridor, shouted through the communicator:

— Are you seeing this? The whole structure is oscillating!

—

Kael stepped forward.

— I am Stone.

— I am Anchor.

— You will take nothing from here.

The golden hand atop the obelisk glowed brighter.

The artifact in the Silent Anomalies Room pulsed violently from afar.

Something tried to breach the barrier of time at that moment.

Helena, Nikita, and Elizabeth joined forces, weaving a spiritual current between them to reinforce the base's anchor.

The shadow screamed — a soundless shriek, sharp as blades.

Kael closed his eyes briefly and focused his life energy.

—

With a sudden move, he struck the base of the obelisk with an open palm.

The sound shattered.

The sand collapsed, lifeless, as if it had never been there.

The entity faltered, dissolving into the air like smoke under a hard wind.

Silence returned.

But it was a heavier silence.

Something had retreated.

Not surrendered.

—

Kael turned to the group, sweating, his eyes glowing faint amber:

— That was a warning.

Helena brushed dust from her shoulders.

— And the next?

Kael stared at the newly sealed door behind him.

— The next will be real.

—

End of Chapter.

---

If the Stone endured, it's because the Mist still watches. Strengthen Command with Power Stones!

What was forgotten... still breathes.