CHAPTER 142

ARIA’S POV

The moment I stepped into the hallway, I knew something was wrong. Not because anyone had said anything. Not because there was shouting or panic. It was the silence.

Ragner walked ahead of us, his shoulders tense as he led us toward the stairs. Draven kept hold of my hand, his thumb moving slowly over my knuckles as though he could sense the uneasiness settling in my chest.

I didn't like surprises anymore. Too many of them had come with pain.

“Where is Agatha?” I asked.

“She’s on her way,” Ragner replied.

That did little to reassure me. We reached the staircase, and I began descending...