Chapter 54: The Hidden Sanctuary

The bedazzling light faded, leaving Avery confused, heaving for breath. Her heart pounded in her casket as she plodded to reuse what had just happened. Lucas and Damien, her closest musketeers, had offered themselves to save her from the Architect's vicious attack. The weight of their loss hit her like a tidal surge, guilt, and sadness hanging to consume her. But she fought against it, forcing herself to focus. She couldn't go to fall pieces now, not when their immolation had bought her precious time. She had to make sure it wasn't in vain. From nearly hard, the Architect's cold wave, mocking laugh rang through the crooked geography, chilling her to the bone." How touching," he sniggered, his voice filled with cruel recreation." But their immolation changes nothing. You are still alone, and you are still mine to shape as I see fit."