Chapter 9: The Ancient Artifact

The door creaked open, revealing a vast chamber bathed in an eerie, pulsating glow. The air was thick with energy, a tangible force that seemed to hum with life. The walls were covered in more of the intricate carvings, depicting scenes of rituals, sacrifices, and beings of immense power. At the far end of the chamber, set on a raised pedestal, lay an ancient artifact, its surface glowing with a mesmerizing light.

"This is it," Lena whispered, her eyes wide with awe. "The source of the island's power."

We approached the pedestal cautiously, our flashlights casting long shadows on the walls. The artifact was a large, intricately carved stone, its surface covered in the same strange symbols that adorned the walls. It pulsed with a steady rhythm, like the heartbeat of the island itself.

"What is it?" Mara asked, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and fascination.

"I don't know," Lena replied, her eyes fixed on the artifact. "But it's incredible."

Drake stood back, his expression caut