The moment Victoria stepped onto the first stair, the silver glow intensified.
A pulse of energy traveled through the ancient stone beneath her feet.
The staircase seemed to awaken.
Not physically.
Something deeper.
Older.
As though it recognized her.
The sensation sent a chill down her spine.
Behind her, the others felt it too.
Luca's hand immediately tightened around the hilt of his weapon.
Rowan's gaze sharpened.
The Hunter's expression became unreadable.
Even Headmaster Blackthorne looked uneasy.
Nobody liked the feeling.
Unfortunately, they had already passed the point where turning back was an option.
Victoria took another step.
Then another.
The staircase spiraled downward into darkness.
The deeper they descended, the quieter the world became.
The sounds of the ac
