Bab 158: Contract binding

The obsidian box emitted an aura of sinister antiquity, its polished surface gleaming like a watchful eye in the dimness of the chamber. Rose eyed it warily as Damien set it upon a low sideboard with a dull thunk.

"You understand, of course, the gravity of what we're about to undertake?" His words were low, resonant, seeming to reverberate from every shadowed corner of the room.

Rose could only nod, her throat constricted as if an invisible vise had tightened around her neck. This ritual, whatever its true nature, would irrevocably seal their fates. She found herself longing for a glimpse of the sun, of the world beyond these oppressive walls.

As if sensing her trepidation, Damien quirked one dark brow in her direction. "Second thoughts, my dear?"

His mocking inquiry broke the spell that had momentarily ensnared her. Rose straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin in a silent rebuke. "Never. Let's proceed."