CHAPTER EIGHTY NINE - The Cartography Of Hidden Hearts

"Wait." Alexander's command stopped her. "Let me speak with Victor first. I need to gauge his willingness to participate." Christine's jaw tightened. "He'll participate if he wants to live." "It's not that simple," Morgana interjected. "The ritual requires a degree of voluntary cooperation from all participants. Forced compliance could destabilize the entire process." "Then what do you suggest?" Christine demanded. "Incentive," Alexander replied grimly. "Victor wants something from us. We need to determine exactly what that is." Aria sat beside Lucas's bed, monitoring the irregular rise and fall of his chest. Each breath seemed to cost him more effort than the last, his once-powerful frame diminished by the curse's progression. When the door opened to admit Christine, Aria didn't look up. "His fever's getting worse." "Morgana has confirmed Vanessa's bloodline claims," Christine said without preamble. "Both connections are valid." That got Aria's attention. She turned, violet ey