Caroline sobbed He’s trying to warn us he’s not trying to kill us Mary grabbed her hand.Then why does he look like he wants to tear us apart?!Caroline gasped between breaths, Because he can’t speak! The creature suddenly surged forward Mary fired three shots into its chest.Black smoke burst from the woundsIt shrieked, convulsed, then scrambled up onto the ceiling, crawling like a spider.Comfort screamed Officer peter pulled her close Keep moving! Officer john stumbled, nearly falling.An arm shot out from the wall a human arm grabbing his ankle John screamed, kicking free.Comfort sobbed, “This place is alive it’s alive it’s alive Mary pulled everyone forward The corridor widened The heartbeat grew louder Bright red light filled the space ahead Caroline tugged Mary’s sleeve desperately Mary stop wait Mary skidded to a halt The corridor opened into a massive, circular chamber a pulsating cavern of writhing flesh and glowing veins In the center. A pit A deep, swirling pool of shadow, lik

The forest didn’t merely grow darker as they continued it grew alive. Every branch looked like an arm twisted in a silent scream. Every shadow pulsed like a living thing. Mary’s boots sank deeper into the damp path as she walked, each step feeling heavier than the last, as if the earth clung to her feet, trying to drag her down.The others followed closely, but the air between them carried fear so thick it felt edible. The silence was unnatural, choking, as if the forest itself demanded their undivided attention.The girl’s body had been left behind. Not abandoned, but impossible to carry Bishop Andoh insisted touching her again would be “an invitation.” No one questioned him. No one had the strength to.The sign she left remained burned into Mary’s mind ENTER IF YOU DAREThe road ahead narrowed into a tight corridor of trees whose branches arched inward, forming a tunnel that swallowed the last bit of light. Their van now sat behind them like a forgotten relic, its headlights flickerin

Then we move faster before he figures out how to block us. They continued downward The glow turned darker The bone beneath their feet vibrated A low rumble echoed deep, ancient, mournful John shivered What was that sound? Caroline spoke without looking back.The realm…It knows we’re inside its heart path.It’s waking up.Peter muttered Fantastic. Just fantastic.”The path curved sharply and then opened into another vast chamber Larger than the ribcage.Larger than the spine room The ceiling rose so high it vanished into blackness The center of the chamber pulsed with dim red light.But what caught their eyes was the shape in the middle. A massive, hollowed orb of bonesuspended above the ground by thick, sinewy tendons.Inside the orb, something flickered Something like distorted images, Shadows, Reflections Caroline stepped forward, breath trembling This is it.Mary frowned What is it?Caroline looked at her, eyes wide with both terror and awe The Memory Heart.Everything he’s taken stored

The only place where the truth can’t hide What truth?” John demanded, shakingMary lifted her hand and touched the edge of the stone platform.Instantly, the ground shuddered.A shockwave of cold air rippled through the cavern, blowing Amelia’s hair back and extinguishing every faint glow around them.The cavern plunged into darkness.Officer peter stumbled backward.Mary! What did you do? Mary backed up immediately.I don’t know I didn’t do anything I barely touched it!A deep voice echoed not the Night Walker’s.Older, Heavier Like a thousand voices speaking as one.THE QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED.Mary frozeThe walls vibrated.Comfort screamed,Caroline grabbed Mary’s arm Mary DON’T MOVE this is how the Core responds to presence. It’s awakening because we triggered it.John staggered forward What question?! What did we ask?!Caroline whispered Truth. It always reveals truth. Mary felt her heart slam against her ribs Truth about WHAT? The voice answered her directly ABOUT HIM.A pulse of silver light b

The man’s smile widened Not want. I serve. And you have trespassed. We’re here for the teens,” Mary said firmly The man’s expression softened, almost sympathetic, They came willingly.That’s a lie,” Mary fired back He tilted his head. “Is it? They followed the dreams. They followed the whispers. Just like you.Mary froze How do you know about He raised one finger. Because he chose you long before you chose this job, Officer Mary.”Fear twisted in her stomach, but she refused to show it I’m taking those kids back.The man’s smile vanished You will take nothing from Bogahill.He snapped his fingers once The church shook The floorboards warped. The windows shattered inward The pews collapsed like brittle bones The team stumbled, fighting to maintain their balance, And then all at once The church went silent The man vanished.The Bishop lowered his cross shakily.Peter’s whispered, “What just happened? Mary stared at the sealed floor where the glow had been.Her voice was low. Steady. Determined