The room still reeked of dark magic. The shadows clung to the stone walls like wet ash, pulsing with the energy of the curse Lila had just birthed. The cauldron had gone still, its contents sealed within a small black pouch—soft as velvet, but soaked in malice.Zara stepped forward, careful not to breathe too deeply. The air felt sharp now, like it could cut her lungs.

Lila held out the pouch, her fingers glowing faintly with residual power. “Give this to your spies,” she said, her voice ...