---- 86.
THE RETURN OF THE DE LA CROIX SISTERS LAVINIA I was thrilled I had done it, something was pulling my magic inward, but the moment I stepped through the threshold, Laziels hand gripped my arm tightly.
Careful, theres an enemy lurking in the shadows.
I tensed at his warning.
My sharp eyes scanned the mist beyond the barrier, sensing an intense malice, but I assumed it came from all the dark energy gathered inside.
When I opened it before, the door never led to this ce.
Come, stay close to me. Our hands intertwined, and Laziel led the way.
No matter what was in there, we had to face it, because I had a feeling it was the key to getting us home.
As we stepped into another hallway shrouded in mist, barely able to make out our silhouettes, the door mmed shut behind us.
My heart skipped a beat.
What the hell was hiding in here? Dont be afraid.
I''ll never let anyone hurt you.
His dangerous yet protective voice echoed in my mind, bringing mefort.
---- My fingers tightened around his. It was truethe prince of specters was now my lover.
The corridor felt endless, oppressive, like the walls could suddenly copse on us.
Finally, we saw the light and entered a broader chamber carved deep into the earth.
Darkness swirled in the corners, and the only thing illuminated by a supernatural light was a chair in the center of the cavern, like a throne.
And on it...
a woman.
How is she preserved like that? Is she like Zareks undead? I stared at her, amazed If it werent for the thickyer of dust and the gray, withered skin, I wouldve sworn she was just sleeping.
No, shes dead. Look at her neck.
Thats when I noticed the deep sh around her throat.
Her right hand hung lifelessly over the armrest, and the other...
was gone, cut clean off.
1 On the floory a dagger, ckened by dried blood Did she...
kill herself? I murmured, walking along the path of glowing stones that led to the center, to that mysterious woman.
There was something oddly familiar about her...