Sin

from the air. Elara stood before Amom, her heart pounding in her chest. The glow of the runes e

nant. His ember-like eyes gleamed with a mixture of satisfac

beautiful in its complexity, a testament to the skill and power of those who had created it. Yet it was also a cage, desi

" she asked, her voice

ow, simply disrupt a single rune. A small act, but one that will weaken the seal

its lines precise and sharp. She could feel the power emanating from it, a steady pulse that seeme

e but insistent. "Do you fear the power y

ice wavered, but she didn't pu

d me here, who built their empire on lies and fear? Or your own? Searc

es, she pressed her fingers against the rune. The moment her skin made contact, a surge of energy shot

faint outline. The chamber trembled slightly, a low hum reverberating through the air.

roval. "Do you feel it? The power that lies withi

ilarating rush that left her both invigorated and terrified. It was as if a door

he murmured, staring

oward freedom," Amom said. "An

argue. Deep down, she knew he was right. The act was done

ies within the cathedral, but her mind was consumed by the events in the chamber. She could still

ter Mariam, ever perceptive, approached her one after

iam said, her tone gentle but pro

busy arranging candles. "I'm fin

"If there is something on your mind, you can confid

ssing everything. But the thought of revealing her actions-of exposing the

d finally, her voice steady.

rn lingered. "Very well. But re

n's kindness and wisdom, yet she couldn't bring herself to trust her with the truth. The

the spiral staircase felt less daunting now, the shadows less forebodi

his voice filled with satis

the turmoil within her. "I need to understand," she said

always been there, buried beneath the weight of their teachings. But

al and right. But the guilt lingered, a shadow she couldn't shake.

lso necessary. Without it, you are nothing but a pawn in their g

danger in his eyes, but also the promise. He believed in her, in

xt?" she asked,

eakens the seal, bringing us closer to the tru

ld lead, but she couldn't turn back now. The first act of sin had been c

e said, her voice fill

d to hum with anticipation. "As you wish,

e descent