The cave narrowed, then widened into a vast chamber. At its center stood a smooth stone column streaked with faint blue light.

  The glow pulsed softly.

  The humming radiated from it, steady and alive.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Lina approached slowly, breath shallow.

  She placed her palm against the cool stone.

  The humming stopped.

  Silence crashed around her like a broken wave. Panic flickered—had she destroyed something ancient?

  Then warmth spread beneath her hand.

  And the visions began.