CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN: FOR THE ONE WHO CHOOSES
The timer continued its relentless countdown.
07:56
The muffled voices outside grew louder.
Someone struck the hidden stone entrance with a heavy object.
The sanctuary trembled.
Anthony glanced toward the doorway.
"They won't stop."
Mercer nodded.
"They don't have to break in."
"They only have to keep us from leaving before the sanctuary seals."
Evelyn looked down at the envelope in her hands.
Across the front, William's handwriting seemed almost alive.
For the one who chooses.
She carefully broke the seal.
Inside was a single folded letter.
And a small brass compass.
The compass was unlike any she had ever seen.
Instead of north, south, east, and west, the face bore four words:
Truth.
Courage.
Sacrifice.
Hope.
Benjamin
