The darkness that poured from the ancient book seemed to twist and coil around them, a living entity hungry for their souls. Zahra’s breath came in sharp gasps as she stood face-to-face with the terrible force she had always known was a part of her, yet never fully understood. The temple around them groaned under the weight of the curse, the walls shuddering as if they, too, were alive with the same ancient power.
Kael stood firm by her side, his presence a solid anchor in the storm. His hand reached for hers, squeezing it gently, but firmly. “We can do this,” he said, his voice steady even as the room quaked. “We’ve always faced the darkness together.”
But Zahra’s eyes were fixed on the book, her heart heavy with doubt. She had always known there was more to her bloodline than she could
