Chapter 21
The marsh gave way to solid ground, though the air remained thick with mist, curling around Elana's ankles like living smoke. Every step they took echoed unnaturally, as if the hall itself were following, watching, recording each movement.
Lucian's hand remained firmly around hers. "The hall isn't just testing your control over spirits," he said quietly. "It's testing your bond… your heart. It senses fear, loyalty, even hesitation. One misstep and it could trap us here forever."
Elana's pulse raced. "Trap us? Forever?"
He nodded. "Some who fail never leave the west wing alive. Or… they leave, but not the same."
A soft rustling drew their attention to the shadows ahead. A massive archway appeared, ancient stone etched with runes that glowed faintly crimson. Beyond it lay a chamber, dark except for a pool of black water reflecting the Blood Moon. The whispers of the hall grew louder, a chorus of voices speaking in languages Elena couldn't comprehend.
"This is the Hidden Heart," Lucian said. "The source of the hall's power. And… where Kade wants us most."
Elana swallowed hard. "Why?"
He hesitated, jaw tightening. "Because the Heart amplifies whatever is strongest in you. Your bond… your fear… your connection to me. And Kade plans to exploit it."
The pool rippled suddenly, as if something beneath its surface had moved. Elena instinctively stepped back, but Lucian held her steady.
"Stay calm," he murmured. "Focus on the mark. It's the only anchor you have."
A shadow rose from the pool, taking shape slowly. First a hand, then a head, then a figure entirely. Kade.
"You've come," he said smoothly, voice echoing across the chamber. "Exactly as I hoped. And… she's stronger than I imagined."
Elana's stomach dropped. Kade's gaze fell on her mark, lingering with dangerous fascination. "The convergence… it's more potent than the hall anticipated. That mark… it binds her to you completely."
Lucian's silver eyes flared. "She is not a tool."
Kade chuckled. "Not yet," he said. "But soon, the hall will force her to prove her loyalty. And then… we'll see who controls whom."
Elana's heart pounded. "Controls… whom?"
"The hall," Kade whispered, stepping closer. "It amplifies desire, fear, and blood. Tonight, you will learn if your bond is strong enough—or if the hall will rip you apart."
Lucian pulled her behind him. "Don't listen to him. The only thing that controls you… is each other. And that includes me."
The Blood Moon's light intensified, flooding the chamber, reflecting off the pool like liquid fire. The shadows twisted around Kade, feeding him, empowering him.
Elana gritted her teeth. Fear rippled through her—but so did determination. She would not be a pawn. She would not allow Kade—or the hall—to dictate her bond with Lucian.
Lucian's hand squeezed hers. "Together?"
"Together," Elana echoed, her voice stronger than she expected.
Kade's smirk widened. "Then let the Heart decide."
The pool surged violently, and the whispers became a roar.
The Hidden Heart was awake.
And the trial of their bond had begun.
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