The drop fell.

It hit the water and sank silently. For a heartbeat, the basin did nothing.

Grace leaned over the edge, practically buzzing with anticipation. Her thumb pressed the broken wax. Behind her, the hooded man hissed out a breath.

Then every flame bent toward the basin.

Golden light bloomed beneath the surface, spreading through the dark water. Silver swallowed the thin trails of my blood, weaving through the gold.

The basin hummed. The sound vibrated right into my bones.

Grace’s eyes sparked with hungry excitement as the cursed marks answered around us. Their crimson glow filled the chamber as the currents collided.

Then the water rose. It breached...