The chamber trembled as the skeletal figure of the Witch of Envy began to rise, its hollow sockets glowing with an eerie, green light. Bones cracked and shifted as ancient sinew and shadow seemed to weave themselves together, binding the decaying form in a grotesque mockery of life. The darkness in the room deepened, like an ink spill spreading across the edges of their vision.
Caroline staggered back, clutching her chest as the pull inside her grew unbearable. It felt as if her ribs might crack under the pressure, as if something ancient and monstrous was clawing its way out of her very soul. The voice in her mind was no longer a whisper—it was a clear, sharp command.
"You are my vessel. My door. My return."
Ezra stepped in front of Caroline, his sword gripped tightly in both hands, it
