The reflection inside the black crystal didn't move.
It simply watched Artyom.
Its silver eyes were calm.
Almost... familiar.
---
Artyom took another cautious step forward.
"Who are you?"
---
The reflection smiled faintly.
Its lips moved.
But no sound came.
---
Then...
A voice echoed directly inside Artyom's mind.
"I have waited for you."
---
Artyom instinctively stepped back.
The silver pendant around his neck pulsed with warmth.
The voice disappeared.
---
Behind him, Viktor entered the prison.
"I told you..."
His voice was firm.
"...you weren't doing this alone."
---
Artyom turned.
"You weren't supposed to come."
---
Viktor glanced at the black crystal.
"And leave you here with... whatever that is?"
---
Caelum and Lucien followed behind.
The moment Lucien saw the crystal, his expression darkened.
"It's progressing faster than I feared."
---
The prison trembled again.
Another ancient chain snapped.
The sound echoed throughout the chamber.
---
Dmitri's voice came through the communication crystal.
"The seal has fallen to fifty percent."
---
Roman's voice followed.
"We've held the eastern corridor, but the Eclipse Order isn't retreating."
---
Mikhail laughed through the static.
"They're stubborn."
---
Yelena interrupted calmly.
"They're coordinated."
---
Nikola's quiet voice came last.
"They're waiting."
---
Roman frowned.
"Waiting for what?"
---
No one answered.
---
Inside the prison, the black crystal began to crack.
Thin lines spread across its surface like lightning.
Silver light leaked through each fracture.
---
The reflection raised its hand.
So did Artyom.
Not by choice.
His arm moved on its own.
---
Viktor immediately grabbed his wrist.
"Artyom!"
---
The movement stopped.
The silver light faded slightly.
---
Caelum looked relieved.
"It hasn't fully synchronized."
---
Artyom looked at him.
"What does that mean?"
---
Caelum answered quietly.
"The prison recognizes only one bloodline."
---
"The heir."
---
"If you lose yourself..."
He looked toward the crystal.
"...it will open completely."
---
Silence settled over the chamber.
---
Artyom lowered his hand.
"I won't let that happen."
---
For the first time...
The reflection frowned.
As though disappointed.
---
Then the black crystal spoke again.
Not inside Artyom's mind.
Out loud.
Its voice echoed through the prison.
---
"Blood cannot deny itself forever."
---
The chamber shook violently.
The last three chains strained under immense pressure.
Stone cracked beneath the crystal.
Dust rained from the ceiling.
---
Far above...
The entire Sanctuary trembled.
Ancient towers swayed.
Crystal bridges shimmered.
Every alarm began ringing at once.
---
Dmitri stared at the Sanctuary's central map.
His face drained of color.
---
"The prison..."
He swallowed.
---
"It's not beneath the Sanctuary."
---
Roman looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
---
Dmitri slowly raised his eyes.
---
"The Sanctuary..."
A pause.
"...was built around the prison."