Chapter 33. The Unbinding

The stair behind the Oathstone groaned as it opened, the sound carrying through the stone like an old wound reopening. No one spoke. Each step spiraled downward into the mountain’s core, carved from rock that bled a low, living light. The scent was older than ash—sulfur, bone, forgotten metal—and it wrapped around Seraya like a tightening memory with every breath she drew.

Ronan descended first, torch in hand, his stride unhesitating, as if the path recognized him. Seraya followed close behind, her senses sharpened, every nerve alive. Mairead and Veyra flanked her, silent and alert. Rael, Letha, and two guards brought up the rear with weapons drawn, their footsteps careful, measured. No one trusted what waited below. No one trusted the man who claimed blood as excuse.

The air grew heavier the farther they went. The stair narrowed, walls pressing inward like a thr