Page 9 of Crown of Envy

Brody stepped forward, his voice calm and reassuring. “We’ve faced tough challenges before, and we’ll face this one head-on. Zara, your knowledge is invaluable. Keep searching for any information to help us understand and defeat this creature. Sawyer, you and I will work on a strategy. We need to be cautious, but we also need to be bold. This creature may be powerful, but so are we when we work together.”

I nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Brody’s words had a way of inspiring courage and unity, even in the darkest of moments.

The creature moved around the crown as if daring anyone to steal it. The snake radiated an aura of ancient power that made my skin crawl.

I glanced nervously at the team. “What exactly is this creature? Is it a snake?”

“No,” the voice in the mirror answered. “The creature is an Aegis serpent. It has the power to look into the hearts and minds of those who approach, uncovering their deepest secrets and hidden truths. Only those truly ready to reveal their darkest secret can approach the crown.”

I squirmed in my chair, my palms damp as I processed this information. “What if you’re not ready?” I asked.

“The creature can sense it, and its bite is lethal,” the voice replied gravely.

Dread pooled in my gut, twisting and churning like a nest of restless snakes. The thought of facing my deepest, darkest secrets sent a shiver down my spine, and I gripped the armrests of my chair, my knuckles turning white with force.

Damon scrubbed his face with a hand, frustration and determination crossing his features. “Great,” he muttered. “A snake that doubles as a lie detector.” He leaned forward, his eyes intense. “All right, let’s think this through. We need that crown, but we’re not walking into a death trap without a plan. So, who here is ready to spill their darkest secret? And how do we make sure the rest of us don’t get bit?”

The mirror spoke again. “To find the right catacomb, you must complete three tasks before you can receive the key. Only six of you can go.”

Damon crossed his arms with irritation and resolve. “Three tasks, huh? Because it’s never easy, is it?” He sighed, glancing at his team. “All right, let’s get this show on the road. We’ve faced worse. And hey, at least it’s not a hunt where we don’t know what we’re up against yet.”

Then he turned to the mirror, his eyes hardening. “Listen, if my sister gets chosen for any of these tasks, I’m going with her. No arguments, no exceptions. We’re family, and we do this together. So bring it on.”

“Hold me up, and I will determine who is worthy. I will call out your name,” the mirror declared.

With trembling hands, I grasped the handle, my heart pounding as I slowly lifted the mirror. I swallowed hard and aimed it at Brody first.

A brilliant light burst from the mirror, bathing Brody’s face in an ethereal glow. His eyes widened, and he drew a sharp breath as the mirror spoke. “Brody O’Hara, you are chosen.” Brody’s shoulders sagged, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

I moved the mirror, my grip tightening as the light passed over Grady and Scott. They both flinched, but nothing happened. The mirror remained silent, and disappointment etched itself on their features.

As I turned the mirror toward Lisa, my stomach churned with nervous energy. The light fell on her face, illuminating her delicate features. “Lisa Denham, you are chosen,” the mirror proclaimed.

Lisa’s eyes grew wide. She inhaled sharply, her body stiffening as if she’d been struck. Her hands clenched into fists on her lap.

Damon’s brows furrowed, his gaze darting between Lisa and the mirror. “I thought you didn’t have a last name,” he commented with suspicion.

Lisa shifted, her shoulders hunching as if she wanted to disappear. She licked her lips, her gaze dropping to the floor. “I don’t go by that name anymore,” she whispered. A sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead.

Another light from the mirror shined on Damon. “Damon Grant, you have been chosen.”

Damon smirked, his green eyes glinting with amusement and satisfaction. “Damn straight,” he mumbled.

“Sawyer Grant, you have been chosen,” the mirror continued, its light now focused on me.

Soft footsteps approached behind me, and I turned, my heart skipping a beat. “Justice,” I murmured, taking in his haggard appearance. His face was pale and drawn, with dark circles beneath his eyes, and he looked like he was about to collapse. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him close. “Are you okay?” My voice cracked, heavy with concern.

Justice leaned into my embrace, his stubble grazing my cheek as he planted a gentle kiss there. “I’m going too,” he muttered, his warm breath tickling my skin.

As if the mirror had heard him, a bright light flickered across his tired face. “Justice Cristea, you’ve been chosen,” it announced.

I shook my head vehemently, my stomach twisting. “No, you can’t go,” I protested. My fingers dug into his shoulders as I clung to him.

Justice’s arm tightened around my waist, pulling me flush against his body. His jaw clenched, determination etched into his face. “Do you really think you can stop me?” His voice was low and rough with emotion. “You belong to me, and you’re not going into danger without me.”

I wanted to argue, to beg him to stay at the manor. My heart raced, and tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. However, the hardened tone in his voice put that to rest. Like my brother, he’d come or at least follow me. A sigh escaped me as I rested my forehead against his chest, the steady beat of his heart both comforting and terrifying.

CHAPTER SIX

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