A suffocating wave of dark energy washed over Aria the moment she raised her eyes to the swirling vortex above the altar. Shadows danced like living things, creeping across her skin, tugging at her consciousness. Her pulse hammered in her temples, each heartbeat magnifying the oppressive aura that radiated from the carved runes.
She staggered, knees buckling. Her exhausted limbs gave out, and she collapsed onto the cold stone, torch clattering from her fingers. The embers of its flame scattered, licking against the ancient carvings. Through blurred vision, she glimpsed Silas moving in a haze of euphoria, his face lit with frenzied purpose.
“Poor child,” he murmured, voice low and tinged with triumphant pity. “You’ve carried so much weight. Let me ease your burden.”
Her lips moved soundl
