Chapter 4: Into the Catacombs

A Dangerous Decision

Avani couldn't shake the weight of the ancient scroll in her hands. Its cryptic words whispered possibilities—of hope, of danger, of a fate she hadn't yet begun to comprehend.

But one thing was clear: if there was a way to save Adhiraj, it lay in the catacombs beneath the palace.

That night, Avani paced her chamber, replaying her encounter with the librarian. The image of the gateway of shadows haunted her thoughts. If she truly wished to break the curse, she had to see it for herself.

She took a deep breath. There was no more time for hesitation.

Carefully, she wrapped the ancient scroll in silk and hid it beneath the folds of her robe. Then, taking only a single lantern, she slipped out of her chamber and into the silent halls of the palace.

The corridors were deserted, save for the occasional flicker of torchlight against the walls. She kept her footsteps light, moving swiftly toward the grand staircase that led deep underground.

The entrance to the catacombs was sealed by an iron gate. Avani ran her fingers over its rusted surface, searching for a way through.

"Trying to escape, Princess?"

Her heart leaped into her throat. She turned sharply—Prince Adhiraj stood behind her, arms crossed, golden eyes gleaming with unreadable intent.

---

A Test of Trust

Avani's mind raced for an excuse, but Adhiraj was too intelligent for lies. He stepped closer, his gaze piercing.

"The catacombs are no place for you."

"And yet, I must go," Avani countered, keeping her voice steady.

His expression darkened. "You don't understand what lurks beneath this palace."

Avani squared her shoulders. "Then tell me. Tell me why the gardens are barren. Tell me why I hear whispers in my room at night. Tell me why you have locked your heart away like a man already resigned to death."

A flicker of something—pain? Anger?—passed through his eyes. "You think you can fix this?" he asked, voice low.

"I have to try."

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Then, to her shock, Adhiraj pulled a key from his cloak and pressed it into her palm.

"Then at least you won't go in blind."

Avani stared at him. "You're letting me go?"

"I am giving you a choice." His gaze was sharp. "But choices have consequences, Avani. Remember that."

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The Descent

The iron gate groaned as Avani unlocked it. A blast of cold air greeted her, carrying the scent of damp stone and something older… something unnatural.

Steeling herself, she stepped inside.

The stairs wound downward in a dizzying spiral, each step taking her further from the warmth of the palace above. Her lantern flickered as if protesting the darkness that threatened to swallow it.

At the bottom, the passageway stretched into shadows, the walls carved with strange symbols. Symbols that glowed faintly, as if pulsing with life.

Avani ran her fingers over them, a shiver running down her spine. This was not just an ordinary tomb. This place… breathed.

She took a step forward—

And the whispering began.

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The Voices of the Cursed

The sound came from all around her—soft at first, then rising in intensity. Dozens of voices, murmuring, pleading, warning.

"Turn back..."

"He cannot be saved..."

"The curse is eternal..."

Avani's breath hitched. Who were they? Spirits? Trapped souls?

She forced herself to move forward. The whispers swirled around her, cold as ice, but she gritted her teeth and pressed on.

Then—a flicker of movement.

She turned sharply, raising her lantern—

And gasped.

A figure stood at the far end of the tunnel.

It was tall, its form draped in tattered robes. Its face was obscured by a hood, but beneath the fabric, two piercing red eyes glowed like embers.

Avani's pulse pounded. This was no ordinary spirit.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

The figure did not move. But its voice, when it spoke, was like wind through dry leaves.

"You seek to undo what has been written."

Avani swallowed hard. "I seek the gateway of shadows."

The figure tilted its head. "And what will you offer in return?"

The question sent a chill down her spine. The librarian had spoken of sacrifice. Was this what he had meant?

"Whatever it takes," she whispered.

The figure stepped closer. The glow of its eyes intensified, and for the first time, she saw its hands—long, skeletal fingers that shimmered like obsidian.

"Then come."

The passage behind the figure shifted, the walls stretching into something new—a massive stone archway, lined with more glowing symbols.

Avani took a deep breath. She had come this far. She couldn't turn back now.

She stepped forward, crossing into the unknown.

And the gate sealed shut behind her.