Chapter 35: A Perilous Plunge

Friesland's stomach churned with a mix of apprehension and anticipation. Miller's suggestion was audacious, bordering on reckless. Infiltrating the Blackwood's private gathering was a gamble – a gamble with potentially dire consequences. Yet, with Sarah's tearful account echoing in his mind and the weight of Elizabeth's safety pressing down on him, the risk felt worth taking. Following Miller's lead, they navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the mansion, the opulent surroundings a stark contrast to their covert mission. The air grew cooler as they reached a dimly lit service entrance. Miller, ever the resourceful one, had procured a master key from a well-placed bribe and a touch of nimble-fingered sleight of hand. With a silent prayer, Friesland slipped through the door, his senses on high alert. The moon cast an ethereal glow on the manicured gardens, their beauty marred by an unsettling tension that hung heavy in the air. Following the faint sounds of chanting, they emerged int