THE REHEM VALERIA I immediately moved to the side , watching the ground creak open like an old , rusty machine .
In the depths of the earth , a dark passage revealed itself , descending through ancient stairs to what seemed like a basement beneath the greenhouse .
What was that noise , Miss Valeria ? Are you alright ? Edwards voice reached me , and I leaned out to see him right where I had left him , sitting in his wheelchair with a worried expression .
Yes , Im fine .
It was a stuck window I tried to open , and it made that sound .
Stay there , dont worry , I lied , as 1 no longer fully trusted anyone .
He couldnt climb the stairs alone , let alone descend into this narrow space .
Celine , I think Ive found the right place for the Altar to the Goddess .
Im going down to read it , watch my back .
up here .
I left Edward inside the greenhouse keep an eye on him .
Valeria , I dont like this at all .
Im calling my brother to come over .
I think its better to wait … Your brother will come with Aldric .
How will we explain all this ? The King isnt stupid .
I dont know how much longer I can keep up the act .
Fine , hurry .
Do it , but Valeria , at the slightest danger , get out .
Let me know right away Im close .
Edward , wait there for a moment .
Im just looking at some beautiful statues I found , I said casually , and he replied that he was fine and would play with his friends .
I descended then , clenching my fists and summoning my courage , trying to plant my feet firmly so I wouldnt slip and break my neck on the stone stairs .
I glanced around , feeling the damp walls with mild disgust at their sliminess from the moss as I advanced through a narrow corridor .
There was a faint light at the end , so I headed towards it .
My feet occasionally stumbled on the uneven stone floor , but that tugging sensation in my chest only grew stronger .
I wasnt doing this out of curiosity or recklessness alone dared this far because something deep in my soul was pulling me towards those altars .
I wanted to uncover their secrets , to understand how the story continued and where it would lead next .
The corridor opened into a gallery .
The low , ribbed ceiling was supported by several sturdy columns , and at the far end , under a skylight , I saw it the true Altar to the Moon Goddess .
I approached immediately , running trembling fingers over the inscriptions carved into the square stone base .
Celine , I found it ! Ill read it to you quickly , and then you can tell Quinn ! I began translating everything I found for her the continuation of the story and clues about the next pack My fingers trembled as I uncovered one by one the secrets no one else seemed able to decipher .
Quickly , Valeria ! Get out of there now my brother just spoke to me .
Hes returning to the mansion with the THE SCHEM King ! She warned me , and my heart pounded wildly .
Still , it had been worth the risk we now had the advantage .
I was just about to leave when a detail caught my attention There was a narrow slot in the rock at the base of the statue I leaned closer to examine the mechanism , tracing it with my fingers .
A powerful , dark energy emanated from it , but I couldnt quite figure out how to unlock it .
It was as as simple as inserting my fingers and pulling gently causing a small drawer to open .
My eyes gleamed at the sight of the silver ornament hidden inside the Altar .
It was an ancient relic , a small star with sharp , dangerous points .
I didnt have time to analyze it further .
A creaking sound behind me set me on alert , and in a quick impulse , I took the small relic and tucked it into the neckline of my dress .
I hissed softly in pain as one of the sharp points pricked my skin , but I endured it , turning to face the presence behind me , thinking it might be Celine .
Celine ? I asked cautiously , tense .
Something told me the shadow watching me from the dark corridor wasnt the Alpha .
It took a step forward then another in a strange , twisting motion , as if its feet contorted with each step .
My voice froze in my throat as the silhouette emerged into the light .
E … Edward ? I stammered in disbelief , seeing the boy walking towards me , though awkwardly , his head bowed , his eyes hidden beneath his brown hair .
Tsk , tsk … little Edward has gone to sleep .
Now you and I will talk , little lying maiden .
He suddenly lifted his head , and in those once innocent eyes , a sinister blood red glow now shone .
That voice I had heard that chilling voice before coming from his lips .
It was that vampire searching for the woman who could read the Altar .
He was looking for me .
What did you do to the boy ?! Leave him alone ! Hes just an innocent child ! I shouted , worried for the boy , calling for Celine in my mind .
Ill leave him alone … but first , tell me what the Altar says Read it completely for me , or this cripple will die .
And dont try any tricks like before .
You cant imagine what dark energy can do to such a fragile body .
His threat made me freeze in horror as Edwards features twisted in pain .
The veins in his pale neck darkened as though tainted blood was rising towards his face .
From his lips came agonizing , pain filled whimpers .
AAAAHHH ! It hurts ! Help me , Miss Valeria , help me ! he suddenly screamed , his tear filled eyes meeting mine for a second Leave him alone ! Dont hurt him ! Ill tell you Ill tell you everything ! Just stop ! 1 take a step forward , hands stretched out , begging him .
THE REHEM I have no other choice .
I turn around and start reading the formation to the enemy , Skip the story , I dont care about it .
Tell me directly where the next Altar is located ! I try to deceive him with a few words , to avoid giving him all the clues , but he keeps threatening Edwards life .
He seems to know a lot about the Altar , making it difficult to lie to him .
I told you everything ! Let him go , please ! Hes just a little boy .
If you want me , I wont resist .
Come , you can take me , but leave him alone , I plead desperately , trying every way possible to save the pup .
Im also stalling for time .
Ive seen the silhouette in the corridor behind him .
Hes so caught up in threatening me that he hasnt noticed Celine yet .
I think theres something else .
Give me what youre hiding , he says , and I tense , remembering the star relic .
Dont play tricks on me .
I was already walking this earth before you were even born ! Give me the damn relic from the Altar every Altar has one !