Aria’s POV (after she touched the stake)

Everything went black.

I didn’t feel the marble platform under me anymore. I couldn't feel my body at all.

I was floating, or maybe falling. It was hard to tell. It was pitch-dark, so I couldn't see anything.

“Jade?” I called. I needed to first make sure that she was with me.

‘I’m right here. Now, let's—”

A faint whisper reached my ears.

I turned sharply. “Did you hear that?” I ...