The door to the central chamber was massive.
Twelve feet tall and made of black stone veined with red light, it was covered in carvings of twisted beasts and screaming faces.
It pushed open at Emric's touch, grinding against ancient hinges that hadn't moved in centuries.
The chamber beyond was circular with a high domed ceiling that disappeared into shadow. The walls were lined with the same red-veined black stone, pulsing with the rhythmic, unnatural pulse Maeve had detected.
And in the exact center of the room, sitting on a raised stone pedestal, was the totem.
It stood about three feet tall, made of polished black metal and covered in Royal enchantment sigils. Red light poured from it in steady waves, filling the chamber with frenzy-magic.
Guarding the totem was the Minotaur.
It was enormous.
