The cold wind howled through the shattered remains of the ancient forest, sweeping ash and blood across the clearing where Dante and Selena stood. The embers from Lorenzo's disappearance still smoldered in the air, leaving behind a darkness that clung to their skin like soot. Selena felt it burrow deep into her chest—a whisper of dread, a premonition that the worst was yet to come.
Dante had barely spoken since their encounter with Lorenzo. His jaw was set, eyes hollow, hands trembling not from fear—but fury. He stalked ahead of her now, slicing through the overgrown path like a man possessed.
"Where are we going?" Selena asked, struggling to keep up.
"To the tomb," he growled.
She stopped. "Tomb?"
Dante turned slowly, his eyes glinting in the dark. "The place where my curse was born. If Lorenzo survived the flames, then the source of this power is still active. I need to end it."
Selena stepped forward. "You're not doing this alone."
He hesitated for a breath, then nodded.
