The Heart of Light pulsed in Ethan's hands, its golden radiance casting long shadows across the temple walls. The crystal was warm to the touch, vibrating with an energy that seemed to resonate with the very core of his being. He could feel the light within it, ancient and powerful, waiting to be unleashed.
"We need to get this back to the Nexus," Ava said, her voice urgent. "The Archivist will know what to do with it."
Ethan nodded, his eyes fixed on the crystal. "I know. But I can't shake the feeling that something is wrong."
"What do you mean?"
Ethan was silent for a long moment. Then he said: "The figure I defeated—he said he was waiting for me. He said he knew I would come. This might have been a trap."
Ava's face grew pale. "You think the Heart of Light is a trap?"
"I think we
