Diana let out a long sigh as she adjusted her gear—again. She'd lost count of how many times she'd done it by now. But she couldn't help it. She was about to walk straight into an archdemon's domain.0

She'd chosen to come—at least half-willingly—but whatever conviction she'd had at the start had long since crumbled, scattered like dust in the wind.0

What the hell was I thinking?0

Turning toward the window, she slid a hand under the side of her chest plate, checking the dagger tucked deep inside. She adjusted it until it sat just right, setting it in the most comfortable position.0

Beyond the thick outer wall, a heavy darkness pulsed and shifted, as murky as the unease swirling in her chest.0

This might be the last time I ever see the sky.0

For the first time, the thought of dying didn't feel abstract. It felt real—like she could already see her spirit trapped in this cursed land, unable to rest, condemned to wander forever. It wasn't just fear. It was certainty, vivid and undeniable.0

She sighed again, longer this time.0

"You're going to wear a hole in the floor at this rate."0

Startled by the voice behind her, Diana turned sharply.0

Ian, lying on the bed in the corner, was sitting up without a...0