The tolling of the bell faded into silence, leaving an expectant hush in its wake. Samantha placed a hand on her belly, feeling the child shift within her. Each day brought them closer to the convergence—the moment when their child would be born and their chance to bring Callum back would arrive.
"What was that?" Kai asked, his voice unnaturally loud in the quiet that followed the bell.
"A recognition," Aspen replied. "The Sanctum acknowledges your presence and purpose here."
Marcus nodded. "It means we're officially under its protection now."
Samantha looked at him with renewed curiosity. "You've been here before, multiple times. You understand this place better than any of us."
"Understanding might be too strong a word," Marcus admitted. "The Sanctum reveals itself differently to each visitor. What I experienced during my previous visits may not align with what we encounter now."
