C22 The Trial of Choice

Stone ground against stone as the chamber reshaped itself, the murals vanishing into the walls, swallowed by shadow. Evelyne stood at the heart of the room, the black stone before her pulsing like a heartbeat. The others formed a loose circle around her—Lucien tense, Dorian whispering protective wards, Isolde already scanning for an exit. The temple’s voice returned, not with sound