Their steps were no longer hesitant.
The stone corridor that had felt oppressive earlier now transformed into a path not for escape, but for heading toward something greater.
Aurelia led the way ahead.
Not because she was asked to.
But because… everything was indeed leading to her.
The Blood Pact bond within her was now stable.
Yet that did not mean it was calm.
Something kept moving beneath the surface.
Like a current waiting for the right moment to turn into a storm.
"We can't look for the center without direction," Kael finally said, breaking the silence.
Aurelia did not stop walking.
"I know."
Ragnar scoffed.
"Then where do we start?"
Orion answered before Aurelia could open her mouth.
"From what we've already found."
He stared ahead.
"The seal beneath this palace is no coincidence."
Kael nodded.
"Seals like this are usually placed at important points."
Ragnar grinned.
"Like the heart of a territory."
Aurelia slowed down.
Her mind raced.
