**Chapter 21 — The Altar's Price2**
The energy from the altar didn't fade when they left the chamber.
It followed them like a second shadow, lingering in Liora's veins as a constant, low simmer. Every step she took up the cracked staircase sent small ripples of warmth through her body — not the sharp surges from earlier practices, but a steady, living current that made her hyper-aware of her own skin, her breathing, and the demon walking silently beside her.
Cairis hadn't spoken since they left the underground hall. His expression was closed, jaw tight, as if the ritual had cost him more than he wanted to admit. The faint golden and black light from the altar still clung to the edges of his horns, making them look almost alive.
Liora's legs felt unsteady as they emerged back into the main ruined sanctuary. The faded mural on the domed ceiling seemed to watch them with renewed interest, the two figures frozen forever just short of touching.
