Ruby
I stood in the center of the underground chamber, my heart pounding as the scent of burning herbs filled the air. The dim torchlight cast eerie shadows against the rough stone walls, making the entire space feel otherworldly.
I had agreed to this.
I had made the choice.
But now, as Tobias and the other elders moved in a slow, deliberate circle around me, chanting words that felt ancient, I could feel the weight of what I was about to do.
Manson was there, standing close, his golden eyes never leaving mine. He was tense, his jaw clenched, every muscle in his body coiled as if ready to tear through anyone who so much as breathed wrong.
“This is your last chance to back out,” Tobias murmured, his voice calm but heavy with warning.
I swallowed hard.
No.
I wouldn’t turn back now.
