Chapter 24

Lucy's POV The blood magic had changed something between us. Even as we continued exploring the chamber, I could feel Felix's presence in my mind—not intrusive, just there, like an echo of our shared memories. "Look at this." His voice pulled me from my thoughts. He was examining a section of the wall that seemed different from the rest. Not obsidian, but something older. I moved closer, noticing symbols carved into the stone. "Is that... blood?" "Not just blood." Felix traced the symbols with his fingers. "Power made solid. The ancients used to write their most dangerous secrets in blood that could never dry." As if responding to his touch, the wall began to shift. Sections of stone folded away like origami, revealing a hidden alcove. Inside lay a single scroll bound in what looked like human skin. "Well, that's not ominous at all," I muttered. Felix reached for it, then hesitated. "There's strong magic here. Old magic." "Older than you?" "Older than anything." He carefully l