After van Galahad’s departure, Liliette remained motionless, staring up at the ceiling. No matter how much she craned her neck, she couldn’t see the top; it seemed to stretch endlessly upward, swallowing light into its dark recesses.
Beside her, Johanna studied the seemingly infinite staircase with equal apprehension. Then, with a determined sigh, she stepped forward.
“This seems too high for you to climb alone, my lady. Allow me to assist you,” she offered.
Liliette shook her head without so much as a glance in her direction. “I can manage on my own.”
Without waiting for another protest, she began her ascent. Step after step, the stone staircase twisted upward, spiraling into darkness. It didn’t take long for her breath to turn shallow, her vision blurring at the edges. Sweat beaded on her forehead, the oppressive air pressing down on her chest.
