A deep tremor ripped through the ground beneath Kael, Klee, and Asuka's feet. The stone table shook, scrolls were thrown into the air, and the flickering candlelight went out with a sharp crack. The underground chamber swayed, as if something much larger than the village itself was moving beneath the earth.
"Something is moving," said Kael, bracing himself against the wall, feeling the vibration rise through his bones.
"The seal... has been activated," whispered Asuka, her eyes wide. "Or... violated."
The floor cracked. Dust fell from the ceiling. Klee slipped for a moment, but Kael caught her by the arm.
Asuka then ran—fast, like an arrow shot in desperation—up the stone steps leading to the surface. Her feet pounded the stairs as she struggled to maintain her balance. The tremor still oscillated, a deep hum in the air that seemed to emanate from every corner of the village. Kael and Klee followed close behind, climbing as fast as they could.
