Chapter 18

Lucy's POV Rico's study felt different tonight. The usual warmth was gone, replaced by a heavy tension that made the shadows seem deeper. He stood at his desk, examining an ancient scroll covered in symbols that made my eyes hurt to look at. "The bat cave isn't what you think," he said without looking up. "It's not really about bats at all." "Then what is it?" "A nexus point. One of the oldest." He finally met my gaze, and I was struck by how tired he looked. The black veins had spread further up his neck. "And possibly our last chance to prepare you for Venice." I moved closer, studying the scroll. "Prepare me how?" "By awakening what's left dormant in your blood." He rolled the scroll carefully. "Ghost walker abilities, seer potential – they're there, but locked away. The cave can... accelerate things." "Like Isabella's blood did?" His eyes narrowed slightly. "You've been talking to Felix again." "He's been helpful." "He's been manipulative." Rico's voice hardened. "Everyth