Chapter 29: The Blood Ritual

Lorenzo descended the stairs cautiously, his hand clutching his shoulder where a dull ache throbbed persistently. As he reached the bottom, he scanned the dimly lit stairway, his heart pounding with anxiety. Spotting Mariana hiding in the shadows, he hurried over to her side. "Lorenzo!" Mariana exclaimed in a hushed tone as she caught sight of him. He crouched down beside her, concern etched on his features. "Madam, are you alright?" he whispered urgently. Mariana nodded, though her expression was fraught with worry. "Yes, I'm fine, Lorenzo." she replied shakily. "What is happening?" Lorenzo let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness," he muttered under his breath. "There's trouble outside. A group of men attacked the Castillo. Some have been dealt with, but others are still unaccounted for." Mariana gasped, her eyes widening in shock. "Attacked? But why?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear. Lorenzo shook his head, his expression grim. "I don't know all the details, but it s