Chapter 189. The Keystone Rope’s Secret

Eryndor’s POV

Before us lay an enormous coil of white rope, its thickness and length inexplicably growing each time a fresh human body was woven into its strands. A chill ran down my spine at the sheer dread that emanated from that unnatural relic—what on earth could this be intended for? Its ominous presence recoiled at the thought of its purpose.

Then Varian stepped forward, the prime suspect until now, peeling back the cowl of his cloak to reveal his angular, square-shaped head. His once-iconic grin had vanished, replaced by a cruel, predatory smirk that sent a shudder through all four of us. In that instant, every ounce of the man I had known was replaced by something far more dangerous.

Nair, his fists already clenched, sprang forward on instinct. “What’s the meaning of this, Varian?” he demanded, his right hand trembling as if held in check only by sheer force of will—he looked ready to pummel the traitor into oblivion on the spot.

Varian tilted