The cavern breathed.Stone screamed as the ancient chains binding Eryndor cracked wider, pouring light that spilled through the fractures like blood from a wound. The earth trembled so violently that dust rained from the ceiling massively.“Choose,” Eryndor said again, its voice neither cruel nor kind. “Before the seal breaks entirely.”Aria’s heart raced uncontrollably . The second heartbeat—her child—fluttered weakly, afraid.Dax stepped forward without thinking.“Take me,” he said, voice hard with certainty. “Bind me.”“No,” Aria snapped, grabbing his arm. Her fingers trembled, slick with blood and dust. “You don’t get to make the choice alone.”He turned to her, eyes blazing. “I’m not letting you die.”“And I’m not letting you disappear for eternity,” she snapped. “You think that’s living?”“If it keeps you alive,” he shot back, “Then it’s enough.”Eryndor watched them impatiently—time was ticking.“This,” it murmured, “is why the Council feared bonds.”Aria stepped between Dax
Last Updated : 2026-01-16 Read more