The silence didn't last.
It never did.
A low rumble echoed from the earth, vibrating beneath my feet.
"Professor…" Julien's voice was tight, his sword still raised.
"I feel it," I murmured, eyes locked on the creature's crumpled form.
It wasn't moving.
But that didn't mean it was dead.
Not by a long shot.
"Wallace," I murmured softly. "Status?"
"Seal's holding," he rasped, barely staying upright. "But… it's not stable."
Of course it wasn't.
Because the pulse…
It was back.
Stronger.
Angrier.
"Get ready," I murmured, my voice low but firm.
Mira's grip on her dagger tightened. "I don't like this."
"Neither do I," Julien muttered.
Felix was still crouched beside Leo, his eyes darting between us and the unmoving creature.
"Felix."
"Y-Yeah?"
"Stay with Leo."
He swallowed hard, but he nodded. "Got it."
I took a step forward.
The runes around the creature were glowing—barely containing whatever was inside.
And then—
Crack.
The air shattered.
