The Black Serpent estate stood beyond the mountains of Valoria, hidden beneath layers of fog and darkness.
For decades, people had whispered about this place.Some called it a fortress and others called it a graveyard.
Aria stood outside its enormous iron gates, staring at the serpent carved into the stone.
Rafael stood beside her.
Noah checked his equipment while Marco remained inside the vehicle, studying the old maps.
Aria took a slow breath.
"This is where it ends."
Rafael looked at her.
"No."
She turned.
"This is where it begins."
His eyes softened.
"The difference?"
Aria looked toward the gates.
"Tonight, Kael loses everything he stole from my parents."
Rafael gave a faint smile.
"Then let's take it back."
The gates opened.Not because anyone had welcomed them but because Kael wanted them inside.
They entered the main hall.It was enormous.
Black marble covered the floor.Old portraits of Black Serpent leaders lined the walls.
