LOGINThe underground chamber smelled of ash, blood, and ancient death.Julia’s breathing remained uneven as George guided her carefully through the narrow stone corridor. His hand never left hers, his thumb brushing against her skin like a silent reminder that she was still here. Still safe.For now.Behind them, warriors carried the unconscious Veilborn prisoner they had captured near the temple entrance. Chains wrapped around his wrists and throat, but even restrained, the man looked terrifyingly calm.Too calm.Alan walked near the back of the formation, his sharp eyes scanning every shadow. Unlike the others, he wasn’t looking for movement.He was listening.And that alone unsettled Julia.The deeper they descended, the colder the air became.Then—Julia froze.A whisper.Soft.Almost inaudible.“Mother…”Her entire body went rigid.George stopped instantly. “What is it?”Julia’s heartbeat thundered painfully.She heard it again.“Mother…”Not from the warriors.Not from the tunnel.Fr
The room went completely silent.Julia’s blood turned cold.“No…” she whispered.George was already moving before anyone else reacted. “Seal the lodge.”Warriors rushed instantly.Alan pushed away from the wall sharply. “How did anyone get inside again?”“No one saw movement near the halls,” the warrior answered nervously. “The guards swear the room was empty minutes earlier.”Julia stood too fast.Pain shot through her lower stomach immediately.George caught her arm. “Easy.”“The nursery,” she breathed. “Take me there.”“Julia—”“Now.”Something in her voice stopped everyone from arguing.Within seconds, they were moving through the lodge halls together. Warriors surrounded them tightly while tension spread through every corner of the territory.The nursery doors stood open.Two guards lay unconscious outside.Alive.But barely.George’s face darkened murderously.He stepped inside first.Then froze.Julia followed beside him—And her breath stopped instantly.The twins’ nursery loo







