Lucian’s voice echoed through the chambers beneath Blackwood.
“Welcome home.”
No scream.
No struggle.
No resistance.
He welcomed the Hollow King like an old friend returning after a long journey.
Above him, the reflected Book shuddered violently.
Fresh ink bled across the page.
THE HOST HAS ACCEPTED THE GUEST.
Then—
THE GUEST HAS ACCEPTED THE HOST.
The second sentence darkened until the paper itself began to smoke.
Aurelia had vanished.
Time had returned.
But something far worse had taken its place.
Mutual consent.
Blackwood Manor moved all at once.
Darius turned toward the staircase.
“We're going down.”
“No.”
Isolde’s voice stopped him.
Everyone turned.
Isolde stood between Darius and the door.
“You cannot face him yet.”
Darius’s jaw tightened. “He's beneath my hom
