Chapter 87: Catacombs of binding
The entrance to the catacombs yawned open beneath the forest floor, a spiral staircase carved in ancient obsidian leading into the dark. Cold, heavy air rose from it like a breath held for centuries. Symbols glowed faintly along the walls, humming in recognition as the brothers stepped closer.
Cain went first.
He didn't look back as he descended, each step echoing with the memories of who he used to be—and who he might still become.
Selene followed close behind, her hand brushing against the wall. She flinched—the stone was warm, like a pulse beating just under the surface.
Leo and Eren came next, quiet but alert. Eira and their mother followed last.
"This place was built by the Ancients," Neriah whispered. "To test. To awaken. And to punish."
They reached the bottom, where the catacomb split into four tunnels, each carved with a different sigil.
"The tunnels will separate you," Neriah warned. "They will show you your fears, your truths, your guilt. If you pass, you return changed. If not..."
"We won't fail," Cain said. "Not anymore."
Neriah placed a kiss on each of their foreheads—something motherly and divine all at once—and then the floor cracked again, forcing them into their chosen paths.
Cain's Trial