444: Beneath Vatican Black

Location: Vatican Black – Subterranean Facility, Rome

The air grew colder as Damien, Nora, and Lazarus descended into the forgotten crypts beneath Vatican Black—a place hidden even from the Pope's own archives. Statues of broken angels lined the stairwell, their eyes gouged out, wings shattered. The weight of time pressed against their shoulders.

"This place was built before the Vatican ever stood," Lazarus murmured, his voice distant. "It predates nations… and religions."

Nora placed a hand on the marble wall. "I can hear it humming. It's not electricity—it's... something else."

"A memory," Lazarus replied. "A curse, maybe. This is the original site of the first Bloodline Trial. The war didn't begin in Tavara. It began here."

Damien paused at a massive stone door etched with ancient script. "Then we're standing on the battlefield of the ancients."

Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the chamber. Stone scraped stone. The door creaked open—unbidden.

From within, a golden glow emerged, revealing a chamber filled with sarcophagi—each inscribed with names long forgotten. At the center stood a pedestal with a single artifact: a crystal dagger hovering in midair, pulsing like a heart.

Lazarus approached reverently. "This… is the Blade of Silence. Forged to sever destiny itself."

Nora stared. "It's what killed the first Dominion Holder, isn't it?"

Lazarus nodded. "And it can kill again."

Before Damien could respond, the chamber quaked. The sarcophagi trembled—and one burst open.

A pale figure stepped out, dressed in robes embroidered with glyphs of ancient Tavara. Eyes glowing crimson. "You dare awaken the Blood Archive?" he rasped.

Damien moved in front of Nora. "We didn't come to awaken you. We came to end this."

The figure smiled darkly. "Then you must pass the Trial of the Origin Flame."

Flames erupted in a perfect ring around them, sealing all exits. The walls shimmered with scenes of past bloodlines—war, betrayal, sacrifice.

Lazarus gritted his teeth. "This is no test of strength. It's a trial of truth. It will strip your soul bare."

Nora stepped forward. "We have nothing to hide."

The figure pointed to Damien. "Then let the Heir of Shadow speak first. What truth do you fear most, Damien Kane?"

The flames surged toward him.

Damien stood his ground, jaw set. "That I'll become what they were. That I'll lose everyone I swore to protect."

The flames parted.

The trial had begun.