The stone pillars cracked.
A powerful wind rushed through the chamber, pulling loose stones and dust into the air. Jude covered his face.
"Everyone, get down!"
Serena grabbed Layla and pulled her behind one of the pillars.
Sol ran towards Jude.
The statue began to sink.
Its enormous body disappeared beneath the floor, but its hand remained raised above the opening.
And from beneath the stone came a sound like hundreds of voices speaking together.
"Return what was taken."
Then the floor closed.
Silence followed.
Jude slowly lowered his arms.
"Everyone all right?"
"I'm fine," Serena answered.
Layla emerged from behind the pillar.
"Where's Sol?"
Jude turned.
The boy was standing beside the stone table again.
He looked perfectly calm.
"I'm here."
Jude walked towards him.
"Don't ever run away from me like that again."
Sol looked up.
"I wasn't running away."
"Then what were you doing?"
"Trying to stop it."
Jude glanced at the silver leaf in his hand.
