The hum began as a whisper, a slow and trembling vibration that seemed to seep up through the floor and into their bones.

Carson’s flashlight flickered once, twice, then went out completely.

The vault lit itself from within.

The pods along the walls shimmered, each one pulsing to the same rhythm as Justina’s heartbeat. The golden light deepened, bleeding into scarlet, then back to gold again, like breathing fire.

She took a cautious step forward. “It’s responding to me.”

Carson ...