Father and I ran down the corridors of the temple, following the paths that we had memorized since we were young. We were going to the most guarded place in the temple, where the Shadow Crystal was held within a solid bedrock cage. Uncle John, one of the best shadow gardians, felt as if something had been disturbed with the Shadow Crystal. Every Shadow Guardian knew to trust Uncle John's judgment, no matter what the situation was. Now, as we raced down the corridors, I felt what Uncle John felt. As we rounded the last corridor, we could feel the pressure hitting our chests with great force, almost knocking us down on or backs. I pushed further, not willing to back down. As I reached the steel doors, I knew something was wrong. Seeping through the bottom crack of the door was a pitch black, gas-like substance that reeked like sulfur mixed with sewage.
    "Madeline," I heard dad say, "you need to get out of here, it's not safe."
    He saw my hesitation and kept pushing.
    "If the Shadow Crystal is shattered, the energy released from it will surely kill a young girl like you. I will not allow that, no matter what."
    I sighed, murmuring a few different swears I probably shouldn't have said to him. Finally, I agreed. Even though I hated to do it, I knew he was right. I nodded, and ran down the hallway. I felt the relief spread over my body from not being around the room. My best friend Alexandra was waiting for me outside the temple.