Lucian
There was something wrong with the air.
It wasn’t just cold—it felt alive. Like it had been waiting to be disturbed, and now that the stairwell door was open, it stirred with silent anticipation. I stood at the top of the ancient staircase with Amara at my side, Lena and Idris flanking us, weapons drawn and magic humming beneath the surface of our skin.
We were going down there.
I glanced at Amara. She was still pale from what she’d seen the night before, but her spine was straight and her jaw was set. Goddess, she was brave. Too brave for her own good sometimes. I wanted nothing more than to lock her in our chambers, ward the doors, and go down into this cursed place alone. But that wasn’t an option. Not with the power in her blood. Not with what was calling her.
“You’re sure
