In another part of the Layer of Ancients, Nathaniel and Valance—who had entered the same statue-filled chamber as Cassian and Ares's group, and, just like them, had spent days searching in vain for an exit—suddenly came to an abrupt halt.
They lifted their heads as the darkness in the chamber thickened suddenly, and the other Rulers followed suit, imitating them.
Valance turned toward Nathaniel.
"Did you feel it?"
He gave a slow, deliberate nod.
"I did. It's not just you. The darkness in the air has thickened for some reason. Maybe something big has happened somewhere."
Nathaniel closed his eyes for a moment, letting himself feel the darkness around him. The sensation was dangerous—like someone willingly sinking into the abyss, even fully aware there was no escape. He could feel a soul-chilling agony within it—
torment, dread, and anguish, yet also a strange undercurrent of joy and elation.
He couldn't help but frown.
'What… or rather, who… is it?'
