Chapter 114

VALENTINA As the ritual circle ignited with energy, the ground vibrated beneath my feet. Crimson runes began to spread across the earth, and Simon stood at the centre, reciting incantations in a deep, unfamiliar language that seemed to carry the weight of ancient magic. His hands were stained with blood, and the atmosphere around him was distorted by heat and shadows. The air was thick with the unpleasant scent of iron and decay. “Valentina,” Simon sneered from the centre, dagger glinting in his hand. “By this blood and by the curse of night, I claim the soul of the living Gemini child!” ‘Gemini child?’ Kira’s tone echoed within me, raising a question, but a sudden touch made us forget… Andres's hand gently clasped mine, his calloused fingers offering a brief squeeze before he drew his sword, his golden eyes intently fixed on Simon with a focused intensity. Kira, snarled inside my head, her voice a growl in my chest. ‘This ends tonight.’ Her tone dripped with cold determination. ‘Yes,