CHAPTER FOURTY TWO

Scarlett's POV

The deafening rumble grew louder, resonating through the chamber as the temple walls began to crumble around us. Panic surged within me, intertwining with the adrenaline that surged through my veins. Time was running out, and we needed to escape.

"Emily, Freda, we have to go now!" I called out, my voice strained with urgency. "The temple is collapsing!"

Emily's eyes widened in terror, her face pale as she surveyed the crumbling structure. "But what about Dr. Thorne? We can't leave him behind!"

I glanced at Ethan, his expression hardened, his eyes fixed on the injured form of Dr. Thorne. The darkness still clung to him, threatening to consume him entirely. I knew we couldn't wait any longer. "Ethan, we have to leave. There's nothing more we can do for him now."

Ethan's gaze flickered between Dr. Thorne and the collapsing walls, a battle raging within him. The darkness contorted his features, a malevolent force tempting him to finish what he had started. But a flicker of