The chamber shook as the Ashen Kin's voices rose in unison, their chant clawing at the walls like a thousand whispers of the dead. The air grew thick, icy, and the torches dimmed as if an ancient darkness pressed in from beyond.

Valerius's head snapped toward the ritual circle. His fangs gleamed as he snarled, "They're calling Selene, STOP THEM!"

Lucius didn't hesitate. He launched himself at the circle, his blade flashing, cutting down two cultists mid-incantation. Valerius was right behind ...