The Fifth Ring of Darkness and the Legacy of Poison

Only the purple door stood empty.

Alex ignored it and moved toward the black door, stepping into line behind three students.

As he approached, the students ahead of him scrunched their noses in distaste. One of them muttered something under his breath.

Alex didn't flinch. He was used to it—the glares, the whispers, the quiet disgust from nobles who looked down on him.

They weren't even worth the dust on his boots.

Hours passed.

Finally, it was his turn.

He scanned his bracelet against the panel beside the door, selecting a seven-hour block until evening. The screen glowed briefly, then the door clicked open.

Inside, he stepped into another high-ceilinged chamber—this one far colder, darker, and quiet.