The Heart Beneath the Mountain
The words echoed through the crumbling Citadel.
Run.
It wasn't said out loud. It echoed in Aria's mind with an authority that touched her soul. The marble beneath her feet cracked loudly. Big chunks of the platform broke off falling into the glowing abyss. Pillars that had stood for a thousand years fell one after another disappearing into clouds of dust.
Damien held Arias arm tight.
"We're leaving. Now."
He didn't wait for her to answer. They sprinted across the platform as chunks of stone rained around them. Behind them Orion struggled to stay standing, his see-through form breaking apart into drifting particles of light.
"Orion!" Aria shouted.
He looked up. Smiled sadly.
"My purpose, " he said, his voice fading in and out "was never to survive."
