Chapter 46
The darkness did not stop.
It continued to push through the opening above Ariana, spreading slowly across the sky like something alive. The air grew colder with every second, heavier, as if the space itself was struggling to hold what was coming through.
Ariana did not look away.
Whatever stood behind Augustus was no longer hidden. It was entering her world piece by piece, and she could feel it even before she fully saw it.
Augustus stepped aside.
Ariana's eyes narrowed.
He was not reacting like someone caught off guard. He did not look surprised. He did not even try to stop it.
He simply moved out of the way.
That told her everything she needed to know.
"You knew this would happen," she said.
Her voice was calm, but firm.
Augustus glanced at her. His expression remained composed, but there was a quiet interest in his eyes now.
"I knew something would answer," he said.
That was not a denial.
Ariana felt something cold settle in her chest.
