The ritual circle carved into the ancient stone floor pulsed with silver light. Theron had spent two hours inscribing symbols that hurt to look at directly, each one designed to pierce the veil between life and death.

Empress Valdira stood at the edge of the chamber, her ice-blue eyes reflecting the magical glow. She had not spoken since arriving, but tension radiated from her like heat from a forge.

"The circle is complete," Theron announced, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "But I must warn ...