VALERIA

I immediately moved to the side, watching the ground creak open like an old, rusty machine.

In the depths of the earth, a dark passage revealed itself, descending through ancient stairs to what seemed like a basement beneath the greenhouse.

"What was that noise, Miss Valeria? Are you alright?" Edward's voice reached me, and I leaned out to see him right where I had left him, sitting in his wheelchair with a worried expression.

"Yes, I'm fine. It was a stuck window I tried to open, and it made that sound. Stay there, don't worry," I lied, as I no longer fully trusted anyone.

He couldn't climb the stairs alone, let alone descend into this narrow space.

"Celine, I think I've found the right place for the Altar to the Goddess. I'm going down to read it, watch my back up here. I left Edward inside the greenhouse—keep an eye on him."

"Valeria, I don't like this at all. I'm calling my brother to come over. I think it's better to wait..."

"Your brother will come with Aldric. How will