The Keeper's cry echoed through the monastery vaults like the roar of a beast.
The torches ignited on their own, casting twisted shadows on the walls. The stone statues decorating the hall seemed to move, staring at them with empty eyes.
"Run!" Selene shouted, already leaping toward the exit.
Duncan clutched the meteorite and threw himself after her, Elias following. The iron doors burst open, and dozens of hooded monks flooded the corridor. Their hands shone with symbols carved in blood.
One raised his voice: "Stop the thieves! The Flame must not leave its throne!"
The stones on the floor heaved, turning into spikes ready to pierce them. Duncan reacted instinctively: the flame within him exploded, and with a fist, he unleashed a wave of heat that shattered the rocks.
"Don't stop!" Elias shouted, already panting.
Selene led them into a maze of corridors. "This way! There's an exit to the catacombs!"
The Keepers pursued them, their voices intertwined in a corrupted chant that made the air vibrate. The torches died behind them, leaving only darkness.
Elias stumbled, but Duncan lifted him by the arm. "Move! I won't leave you here."
Finally, they reached a staircase leading underground. The stench of mold and bones enveloped them. The catacombs were narrow, and the echo of the Keepers' footsteps grew closer.
"Selene," Duncan gasped, "are you sure this leads out?"
She didn't answer immediately. Then, in a firm voice: "Yes. But there's a price."
Before them, a massive iron gate blocked the passage. Selene pulled out a dagger and cut her palm. Her blood splashed onto the lock, and it creaked open on its own.
"Go!" she shouted, urging them forward. "I'll slow them down!"
"No," Duncan retorted, gripping her arm. "I won't leave you behind."
A roar behind them announced the arrival of the Keepers. Dark shadows bent and twisted along the walls, ready to seize them.
Duncan gritted his teeth. This was no time for argument.
The flame within him exploded with greater force than ever, illuminating the catacombs with golden light.
"Forward!" he shouted, leading the group through the grate.
Behind them, the shadows screamed in rage, but the light of the Divine Fire opened a path.
When they emerged into the open air, the moon shone high in the sky. Panting, covered in sweat and dust, they were alive.
And the meteorite was in their hands.
Selene laughed softly, almost in disbelief.
"You really have stolen the Descended Flame…"
Duncan stared at her, the meteorite pulsing like a living heart in his hands.
"No," he said. "We didn't steal it. We freed it."