CHAPTER 181 

Katherine’s limbs trembled as she climbed down the seemingly endless ladder, the metal rails slick with grime and rust. Her thighs ached, her palms burned, and the torch clenched between her teeth filled her mouth with the bitter taste of smoke and oil. 

The stench down there was unbearable. It reeked of rot, sewage, and something far worse clinging to the air like a curse.

Flies buzzed relentlessly at her ears, their almost invisible wings brushed her skin as though eager to crawl inside her. Gagging, she paused, trying to adjust her footing. She lifted one leg to lower herself farther— and she slipped.

Her scream echoed in...