Ally's POV

　　The room is cloaked in shadow, save for the flickering of candles that cast an eerie dance on the walls. I can feel the cool stone beneath my fingertips as I trace the ancient etchings carved into the altar. The scent of burning sage and something bitter- like iron and intent- fills the air.

　　"Ally," Elliot's voice is a low murmur beside me, "are you certain about this?"

　　I turn to look at him, his face half-lit, eyes glinting with a mixture ...