A short chapter (Chapter 40:Mira's Pov)
Lorenzo stood motionless, his cold, unreadable gaze locked onto mine. His throat lay bare beneath the blade I held, my grip unshaking despite the storm inside me.
"Do it, then," he said, voice low, unwavering. "If this is what you are now."
I wanted to drop the dagger. My body screamed at me to stop. But something else—something vile and foreign—kept my hand steady. The Abyss Order's magic burned through my veins, whispering that this was the only way.
Prove your loyalty.
Kill him.
"You think this will make you stronger?" Lorenzo pressed, tilting his head, challenging me. "It won't. It'll break you."
I clenched my jaw. "You don't understand."
"Then make me."