THE REHEM VALERIA I immediately moved to the side , watching the ground creak open like an old , rusty machine .


    In the depths of the earth , a dark passage revealed itself , descending through ancient stairs to what seemed like a basement beneath the greenhouse .


    What was that noise , Miss Valeria ? Are you alright ? Edwards voice reached me , and I leaned out to see him right where I had left him , sitting in his wheelchair with a worried expression .


    Yes , Im fine .


    It was a stuck window I tried to open , and it made that sound .


    Stay there , dont worry , I lied , as 1 no longer fully trusted anyone .


    He couldnt climb the stairs alone , let alone descend into this narrow space .


    Celine , I think Ive found the right ce for the Altar to the Goddess .


    Im going down to read it , watch my back .


    up here .


    I left Edward inside the greenhouse keep an eye on him .


    Valeria , I dont like this at all .


    Im calling my brother toe over .


    I think its better to wait … Your brother wille with Aldric .


    How will we exin all this ? The King isnt stupid .


    I dont know how much longer I can keep up the act .


    Fine , hurry .


    Do it , but Valeria , at the slightest danger , get out .


    Let me know right away Im close .


    Edward , wait there for a moment .


    Im just looking at some beautiful statues I found , I said casually , and he replied that he was fine and would y with his friends .


    I descended then , clenching my fists and summoning my courage , trying to nt my feet firmly so I wouldnt slip and break my neck on the stone stairs .


    I nced around , feeling the damp walls with mild disgust at their sliminess from the moss as I advanced through a narrow corridor .


    There was a faint light at the end , so I headed towards it .


    My feet asionally stumbled on the uneven stone floor , but that tugging sensation in my chest only grew stronger .


    I wasnt doing this out of curiosity or recklessness alone dared this far because something deep in my soul was pulling me towards those altars .


    I wanted to uncover their secrets , to understand how the story continued and where it would lead next .


    The corridor opened into a gallery .


    The low , ribbed ceiling was supported by several sturdy columns , and at the far end , under a skylight , I saw it the true Altar to the Moon Goddess .


    I approached immediately , running trembling fingers over the inscriptions carved into the square stone base .


    Celine , I found it ! Ill read it to you quickly , and then you can tell Quinn ! I began tranting everything I found for her the continuation of the story and clues about the next pack My fingers trembled as I uncovered one by one the secrets no one else seemed able to decipher .


    Quickly , Valeria ! Get out of there now my brother just spoke to me .


    Hes returning to the mansion with the  THE SCHEM King ! She warned me , and my heart pounded wildly .


    Still , it had been worth the risk we now had the advantage .


    I was just about to leave when a detail caught my attention There was a narrow slot in the rock at the base of the statue I leaned closer to examine the mechanism , tracing it with my fingers .


    A powerful , dark energy emanated from it , but I couldnt quite figure out how to unlock it .


    It was as as simple as inserting my fingers and pulling gently causing a small drawer to open .


    My eyes gleamed at the sight of the silver ornament hidden inside the Altar .


    It was an ancient relic , a small star with sharp , dangerous points .


    I didnt have time to analyze it further .


    A creaking sound behind me set me on alert , and in a quick impulse , I took the small relic and tucked it into the neckline of my dress .


    I hissed softly in pain as one of the sharp points pricked my skin , but I endured it , turning to face the presence behind me , thinking it might be Celine .


    Celine ? I asked cautiously , tense .


    Something told me the shadow watching me from the dark corridor wasnt the Alpha .


    It took a step forward then another in a strange , twisting motion , as if its feet contorted with each step .


    My voice froze in my throat as the silhouette emerged into the light .


    E … Edward ? I stammered in disbelief , seeing the boy walking towards me , though awkwardly , his head bowed , his eyes hidden beneath his brown hair .


    Tsk , tsk … little Edward has gone to sleep .


    Now you and I will talk , little lying maiden .


    He suddenly lifted his head , and in those once innocent eyes , a sinister blood red glow now shone .


    That voice I had heard that chilling voice beforeing from his lips .


    It was that vampire searching for the woman who could read the Altar .


    He was looking for me .


    What did you do to the boy ?! Leave him alone ! Hes just an innocent child ! I shouted , worried for the boy , calling for Celine in my mind .


    Ill leave him alone … but first , tell me what the Altar says Read itpletely for me , or this cripple will die .


    And dont try any tricks like before .


    You cant imagine what dark energy can do to such a fragile body .


    His threat made me freeze in horror as Edwards features twisted in pain .


    The veins in his pale neck darkened as though tainted blood was rising towards his face .


    From his lips came agonizing , pain filled whimpers .


    AAAAHHH ! It hurts ! Help me , Miss Valeria , help me ! he suddenly screamed , his tear filled eyes meeting mine for a second Leave him alone ! Dont hurt him ! Ill tell you Ill tell you everything ! Just stop ! 1 take a step forward , hands stretched out , begging him .


    THE REHEM  I have no other choice .


    I turn around and start reading the formation to the enemy , Skip the story , I dont care about it .


    Tell me directly where the next Altar is located ! I try to deceive him with a few words , to avoid giving him all the clues , but he keeps threatening Edwards life .


    He seems to know a lot about the Altar , making it difficult to lie to him .


    I told you everything ! Let him go , please ! Hes just a little boy .


    If you want me , I wont resist .


    Come , you can take me , but leave him alone , I plead desperately , trying every way possible to save the pup .


    Im also stalling for time .


    Ive seen the silhouette in the corridor behind him .


    Hes so caught up in threatening me that he hasnt noticed Celine yet .


    I think theres something else .


    Give me what youre hiding , he says , and I tense , remembering the star relic .


    Dont y tricks on me .


    I was already walking this earth before you were even born ! Give me the damn relic from the Altar every Altar has one !