Midnight dreamed of chains.
Not ordinary chains.
Ancient ones.
Massive black iron wrapped around skeletal pillars beneath the mountain, glowing crimson symbols burning across every link while something enormous breathed in the darkness below.
Waiting.
Watching.
Hungry.
And in the dream—
the chains were breaking.
Midnight woke with a gasp.
The room was dark except for moonlight spilling across stone walls and black sheets tangled around her legs. Her pulse thundered violently.
The call was stronger now.
Not whispers.
Not visions.
Direction.
Come below.
Her stomach twisted.
The demon inside her stirred immediately, recognizing the voice like blood recognizing blood.
Midnight shoved herself upright quickly.
No.
Absolutely not.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed—
