Ally's POV

　　The grandeur of the Luparian palace looms before me, a testament to the power and cruelty that resides within its walls. I can feel Dawn's anxiety mirroring my own as we approach, her presence a constant whisper in the back of my mind. The heavy doors swing open with an ominous creak, and it's with a heart leaden like stone that I cross the threshold once again.

　　"Welcome back, Ally," Nathan's voice slithers through the opulent foyer, his tone dripping ...