Chapter Three: The Room Beneath
The door opened without a sound.
Beyond it was a staircase descending into darkness.
A cold wind rose from below, carrying the scent of rain and something older—something Amara could not name.
Her father grabbed her wrist.
“Step away.”
Amara pulled free.
“You said my mother opened this door.”
“I said nothing about what happened afterward.”
“You said she was killed by an illness.”
The king looked away.
That was answer enough.
Amara's voice dropped.
“You lied to me.”
Lina remained near the table, silent.
King Aldren closed his eyes.
“I was trying to protect you.”
“From what?”
Before he could respond, the silver chime sounded again.
Once.
The crimson light beneath the door flickered.
Amara felt a strange warmth spreading through her palm.
She looked down.
A symbol had appeared on her skin.
A crescent surrounded...