CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT - TRICKS OF LIGHT AND SHADOW

"These must be clues," Mara mused, running her fingers over the rough engravings. "But what do they mean?" As they pondered the mysterious symbols, a low rumble echoed through the cavern. Small pebbles skittered across the ground, and a fine dust began to fall from the ceiling. "That doesn't sound good," Carlos muttered, glancing nervously at the tunnel they had emerged from. Suddenly, with a deafening crack, a section of the cavern wall collapsed, revealing a hidden chamber beyond. The group scrambled back, narrowly avoiding the falling debris. As the dust settled, Mara cautiously approached the newly revealed opening. "Look," she gasped, pointing to a series of small alcoves carved into the rock. Each alcove contained what appeared to be an ancient artifact – strange symbols etched into metal plates, oddly shaped stones, and small figurines of indeterminate origin. "These must be part of the Noble family collection," Clarissa breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. As they careful