My father stared at the mark with an expression I couldn't decipher.
“Seraphine should never have used the seal on you.” He said.
“Why did she?” Vespera asked.
“Because there was no other way to hide what you carried.” He said.
“What do I carry?” Vespera asked as her eyes narrowed.
Before he could answer, the entire chamber shuddered.
The symbols along the walls flared, and a deep metallic groan rose from beneath the platform. My father turned sharply towards the far wall.
“She's losing control.” He said.
“Who?” I demanded.
He ignored me and hurried towards the nearest pillar, pressing his palm against a carved symbol. The silver light dimmed beneath his hand, but the sound beneath the floor continued.
Vespera reached for her knife.
“I'm getting tired of people answering questi
