Chapter 25: A Risky Escape

The menacing voice echoed through the cavern, its resonance sending a chill through every member of the group. Mia froze, her outstretched hand hovering over the pedestal. The vortex of energy around it swirled violently, as if reacting to the unseen presence. 

"Mia, step back!" Zoe shouted, moving closer, her knife gleaming in the dim light. 

"I... I can't," Mia said, her voice trembling. "It's pulling me." 

Ruby's sharp voice cut through the tension. "We don't have time for this! Whatever this thing is, it knows we're here, and it won't wait for us to figure it out." 

The ground trembled beneath their feet, chunks of stone falling from the cavern walls. Caleb raised his rifle, his eyes scanning the darkness. "We need to move. Now!" 

Finn was already retreating, his face pale. "I don't care what that thing is. It's time to get out of here!"