CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN - A Shadow Stirs in the Night

However, one of the artifacts - a small, intricately carved idol - was said to carry a powerful curse. The original owners had warned that anyone who possessed the idol would be plagued by misfortune and tragedy until it was returned. Jonathan's entries became increasingly paranoid and guilt-ridden as he recounted a series of accidents and deaths that befell the family after acquiring the treasure. He eventually decided to hide everything away, creating an elaborate system of puzzles and traps to protect it - not to keep others out, but to prevent anyone from unleashing the curse again. As Lucas finished reading, a heavy silence fell between them. The weight of their family's past actions and the potential consequences of their current quest hung in the air. "So," Ella said finally, her voice quiet, "what do we do now? If we find this treasure, are we just going to unleash a curse on ourselves?" Lucas ran a hand through his hair, his brow furrowed in thought. "I don't know. But I t