Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the Beast
In the center of the platform stood a stone desk, and on that desk sat a single, golden **Key**.
It didn't look like a master-key. It looked like a simple house key, old and worn. But it pulsed with a light that made the surrounding darkness retreat.
"There it is," I said, gasping for air.
I reached for the key, but the Glitch blocked my path.
"Wait," she said, her hollow eyes fixed on me. "Remember the price. To turn that key, someone has to stay. Someone has to be the 'Anchor.' They have to hold the door open from the inside while the drive burns."