To enter now, at his weakest, was to court disaster. Whatever courage pushed him forward, recklessness would betray him in the end.
Jae pulled his hand back with a sharp exhale, as though the decision itself was a physical effort. The door remained closed, silent, patient, as if mocking him
Tomorrow, he told himself firmly, though impatience burned in his chest. Tomorrow, with strength restored, with a plan, with allies if I can gather them. Then I will see what lies below.
Turning away from the shrine door felt like surrender, yet he forced himself to do it. His footsteps echoed hollowly as he retraced his path, back toward the brighter corridors, the cleaner halls.
The palace above seemed almost alien now, its golden chandeliers and polished marble hiding the truth buried in its roots.
When at last he returned to his chamber, he bolted the door behind him, though no lock could quiet the weight pressing on his mind.
