Chapter Eighty Eight

Dr. Thorne's gaze was locked on the artifact, its otherworldly glow illuminating the room with an eerie light. The silence stretched, thick and almost palpable, as the significance of the moment settled over them. Alex, Sarah, and Jason exchanged tense glances, each acutely aware of the weight of their discovery.

"This... this is extraordinary," Dr. Thorne finally managed, her voice a whisper of awe. "Where did you find it? How did you come across something like this?"

Alex cleared his throat, stepping forward. "It was found in an ancient excavation site, deep in a forgotten chamber. The journal led us to it, but we still don't fully understand its origins or capabilities."

Dr. Thorne nodded, her eyes never leaving the artifact. "Have you conducted any tests? Any initial analyses?"

"We've been cautious," Sarah interjected, her voice steady despite the excitement bubbling beneath the surface. "We didn't want to risk damaging it, but we've observed some energy signatures and minor react