Chapter 229 The Unseen Chains

• The group traveled under the cover of darkness, the crown safely wrapped and secured in Eamon’s saddlebag. Though none of them spoke it aloud, the air was thick with unease. The crown’s presence was palpable, its dark energy radiating even through the protective cloth.
• “We can’t keep carrying this thing,” Calista said, breaking the silence. Her tone was sharp, but there was a tremor of fear beneath it. “It’s like it’s watching us.”
• “It is,” Ariella said quietly. “It’s aware of us. And it’s testing us.”