Page 142 of Savage Crown

This isn’t a map.

It’s a key.

A sound—low and mocking, echoing through the cavern.

"Ah. Here it is," a voice drawls. "The moment we’ve all been waiting for."

Rylan and I whirl in unison.

A figure steps from the shadows.

Tall. Imposing.

A scar runs from his brow to his jaw, carving through his dark elven skin like a cruel brand.

His eyes are like voids—bottomless, unreadable.

Nhilian.

He smiles. He is not alone.

His men emerge, dark shapes bleeding into the cavern walls, slipping into position like vipers preparing to strike.

We are surrounded.

Rylan’s grip on his blade tightens.

I feel his fury, his desperation.

I should be afraid.

But I’m not.

This was always how it was meant to end.

I am the key.

The door must open.

49

RYLAN

The air is overflowing with the scent of ancient dust, blood, and something darker—something old, something watching.

Seraphina stands before the altar, her breath uneven, her skin pulsing with eerie blue light. The sigils carved into the stone door behind her respond, shimmering, as if they are alive, waiting for her.

I know this is wrong.

I know this place wants something.

And then Nhilian steps forward, his smile dripping with malice.

"You can feel it, can’t you?" he murmurs, voice slithering through the cavern. "The price that must be paid."

My blood runs cold.

Seraphina stiffens beside me, but she doesn’t speak.

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