Sirius inserted the Platinum core into the central indentation with hands that trembled slightly from exhaustion and anticipation. It fit perfectly, ancient engineering tolerances maintained despite centuries of disuse, and began glowing with light that pulsed in a constant rhythm like a heartbeat.
Thirteen pedestals emerged from the floor with the sound of ancient stone grinding against ancient stone, mechanisms engaging that hadn't moved since its builders had sealed this place.
Two lateral pedestals rose empty. Ten frontal pedestals contained potions filled with liquid that glowed with an internal luminescence.
Double potions like the one Sirius had taken. Each bottle represented power, advancement, the kind of resources nobles would fight commercial wars to obtain.
