Silvanus walked up to the only grave in this space. He raised his hand, and the ground parted on its own, loose and crumbly, revealing a corner of the truth beneath it.
A cold metallic edge gleamed within an illusory band of light.
Silvanus lowered his head, unable to restrain himself as he coughed twice, forcing fresh blood down his throat. He slowly brushed away the earth covering the coffin, revealing a pitch-black coffin that emitted a faint, icy glow. Cold air spilled outward, as if it were deep within an ice cellar.
Silvanus held his breath, his heart pounding violently in relentless waves. The thing that had always driven him, drawn him in, was now right before his eyes.
His hands touched the metal surface, and the chill nearly froze his flesh.
Silvanus did not care. He pushed hard against the coffin lid.
The lid was solid, but under his strength it could only fall helplessly to the side.
A slightly grating sound rang out, and Silvanus narrowed his eyes.
