The final beam of light shot upward-and the thirteen merged into one, forming a brilliant spiral that spun above their heads like a halo of molten gold. The ground trembled softly, then split in the center of the room, revealing a spiral staircase made of glowing glass leading downward.
Sol turned to them, his expression serene. "The final passage. The last threshold. If you descend… you'll never be the same again."
Rose stepped forward, her fingers brushing Jude's hand. "We never wanted to be the same."
Sophie nodded. "Let's go."
They descended as one.
The staircase led to a chamber that pulsed with heat and energy, like stepping into the heart of a volcano that loved them. The walls here were covered in vines that bloomed with glowing white flowers, and in the center was a pool-not of water, but of molten light, swirling gently, beckoning.
Sol remained at the top, watching.
Jude approached the pool first. "What is this?"
