The coordinates led me to the edge of the world.
I stood at the cliff's edge, staring down at the churning ocean below. The waves crashed against the rocks, sending spray into the air. The wind was cold, biting. It carried the smell of salt and something else. Something ancient.
"Leon." Samir's voice came through the earpiece. "The energy readings are off the charts. Whatever's down there, it's powerful."
"I know. I can feel it."
"Leon." Lena's voice was tense. "I don't like this. This feels wrong."
I turned to face her. "I know. But I have to do this. It's the only way."
"Then I'm coming with you."
I shook my head. "No. This is something I have to do alone."
"Leon—"
"Lena. I love you. You're my daughter. But this is my burden. My responsibility. I have to carry it alone."
She wa
