CHAPTER SEVENTY – BREACHING THE SANCTUARY

"This is...a surprising development," he murmured, stepping inside with that ever-present aura of cool confidence. "Though I can't say I'm entirely shocked to find you here, Cassie." Cassie opened her mouth, stumbling for an explanation or excuse, but Karl waved her silent with a simple gesture. "No, save your innocence," he said coolly. "I suspect you were drawn here, just as moths are beckoned to the flame. You've sensed there are deeper mysteries surrounding my family, and you've longed to pierce that veil, have you not?" Cassie stayed silent, resisting the urge to clutch the ancient tome to her chest like a child's security blanket. There was no use denying the truth - she had sought answers, had uncovered this chamber of secrets through her own daring. Karl's gaze swept over the shelves and artifacts, coming to rest on the stone slab in the center. "You've breached the inner sanctum of the von Steiner legacy," he intoned, one side of his mouth curving into a half-smirk. "The s