The staircase descended farther than Elena expected.
The air changed with every step.
Cold.
Damp.
Old enough to feel untouched by the world above.
Adrian walked in front, one hand holding the lantern, the other close to his weapon. Elena followed beside Evelyn while Marcus remained near the entrance to watch the cemetery.
The stone walls were covered in faded markings.
Some were names.
Others were symbols.
And every few feet, Elena saw the same image.
A phoenix.
But unlike the Order’s symbol, these phoenixes were carved with their wings spread upward, surrounded by thorns.
Evelyn stopped.
“That’s not the Order.”
Adrian looked at her.
“How do you know?”
“Because I’ve seen it before.”
Elena touched the carving.
“Where?”
Evelyn shook her head.
“I don’t remember.”
They rea
