Chapter 58

• The air inside the cave was thick with anticipation; the oppressive weight of dark magic swirled around the witches as they worked in silence. The atmosphere seemed to mirror Eleanor’s inner turmoil as she paced around the ancient symbols etched into the cave floor. The sigils, drawn with meticulous care by the witches, shimmered in the flickering candlelight, casting long shadows that danced on the stone walls.
• Eleanor paused, glancing toward the Dark Lord, who stood at the center of the ritual circle. His posture was calm and resolute, and his eyes showed no fear or hesitation. He had accepted his fate long before, but Eleanor couldn’t help the tightening in her chest each time she looked at him. His life—his very essence—would fuel the Severing Ritual, a sacrifice that would sever Demion and Ariana’s bond forever.
• “Are you ready?” The Dark Lord’s voice, low and steady, broke through Eleanor’s thoughts. She turned to face him, her heart heavy.