[A Few Weeks Ago – Baal Clan Sealing Chambers]
The silence was absolute.
Deep within Baal Castle, where even natural light dared not venture, Raphaeline had isolated herself—voluntarily. The containment vault had been sealed with three layers of arcane barriers and an ancient sealing rune. No one could enter. No one was supposed to leave.
In the center of the chamber, she stood with her eyes closed. The air around her vibrated with heat. Beads of sweat trickled slowly down her neck, evaporating before they even touched the floor.
"Let's begin," she murmured, the sound of her own voice swallowed by the pressure of the environment.
She took a deep breath. Her heartbeat quickened like a war drum.
THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.
The blood inside her veins responded, as if every cell had been called to action.
