The moment the seal began to move, Victoria’s instincts screamed at her to step back.
But her body didn’t obey immediately.
It felt like standing too close to something that already knew her name—something that had been waiting long before she ever existed inside Bloodright Academy.
The red light beneath the cracked seal pulsed again.
Slower this time.
Deliberate.
Like a heartbeat learning rhythm.
Selene grabbed Victoria’s arm harder. “Victoria, I swear to you—if this thing opens, I am blaming you for everything.”
Victoria didn’t respond.
Because she was staring at the center of the seal.
Where the light was now gathering.
Luca moved beside them instantly. “Step away. Now.”
His voice was sharper than before.
Not commanding.
Urgent.
But Victoria still didn’t move.
Because sh
