The dimming light progressed at a gradual pace which resembled a diminishing sound until it extinguished all illumination from the secret room. John moved away from the altar while he breathed irregularly and his thoughts continued to burn with the remnants of the visions which he had witnessed. The Heart of Aether no longer emitted its radiant energy. The object remained motionless in a state of dullness which made it appear as if it were observing their actions.
The people remained silent during the initial period of time.
The first person to end the quietness in the room was Evelyn. "That wasn't just history," she said softly. "That was a warning."
Dr. Whitmore nodded, his face pale. "The Elarian Empire didn't fall because of war or famine. The empire collapsed because its people achieved excessive knowledge which they believed would enable them to control everything.
John closed his eyes. The visions replayed in his mind: towering cities powered by Aether light, scholars arguing beneath crystal spires, and finally fear—fear spreading faster than knowledge. He had witnessed the Elarian leaders when they decided to bind the Aether instead of allowing it to rest. Their destiny became fixed through that particular decision.
"They attempted to seal it away," John explained. "The Order wishes to do the same thing but they have different motivations for their actions.
Caleb showed his disapproval through his expression. "The Order seeks to gain power. The Elarians wanted safety."
Evelyn responded that both groups achieved their goals.
The room shook with a slight tremor which caused particles to drop from the overhead space. The stone walls developed initial fractures which emitted a faint illumination that matched the dim light John had observed inside the Labyrinth.
Dr. Whitmore observed his surroundings with sudden intensity. "The structure will collapse in the near future. The chamber responds to the Heart disturbance which occurs when it is touched.
John stepped away from the altar. "Then we leave it.
Caleb stared at him, "Leave it? After everything we've been through?"
John spoke with determination when he said yes. The Elarians left it here for a reason. This place exists as a memorial which reminds people of the past.
They turned away from their position although they showed no desire to go. Then through which they traveled became their path.