>>Seraphine
The stairs were still dirty beneath my feet—spiral stone, weathered and broken at the edges, dust clinging to my heels with every step.
Outside the abandoned tower, the world was unraveling.
Screams echoed from distant towns, followed by the crash of collapsing structures. The dull roar of fire swept through the air like a beast in motion. I heard the clash of steel, the shriek of abyssal creatures, the final cries of people I would never meet.
Still, I climbed.
One hand traced the cool stone of the wall, steadying myself. The other clutched the key
I wasn't afraid.
I had already accepted what this moment meant. Something like this was bound to happen with the opening of abyssal gates.
At the top of the stairs stood a heavy door. I paused for a breath, then pushed it open with both hands. The hinges screamed in protest before it swung wide, revealing the highest chamber of the tower.
There she was.
Darcelle.
