The crypt was no longer a mere chamber—it had become a theater of war, staged in the language of love and horror. The air shimmered with tension, the flickering torches casting distorted shadows. Liora stood within the ritual circle, her crimson dress slipping from one shoulder, exposing the delicate curve of her collarbone. Kael’s hands were trembling as they found her waist, grounding himself in her presence. Their kiss was a desperate plea, a promise, a curse.

Kael’s shirt hung open, baring his chest as they began to chant in harmony, the ancient language of the book rolling from their lips. Desire twisted with dread. Around them, the spirit’s energy gathered, a storm of sensuality and menace. It emerged from the darkness, a creature of seductive nightmares, its clawed fingers tracing the bare skin of Liora’s back. “I can give you forever with him,” it murmured, breath brushing her ear.

The book’s runes burned into her skin like brands, glowing with a sickly red light. Her body illuminated from within, veins alive with ancient magic. She faltered, torn between her love and the spirit’s promise. What if this was the only way? What if surrender was salvation?

Kael reached for her, his hands anchoring her trembling form. “You are stronger than this,” he said, voice cracked but resolute. Outside the circle, the school trembled, stones falling like rain. The vanished students' spirits rose around them—faces once lost now hollow and grim. They drifted, eyes pleading, silent witnesses to the unfolding ritual.

Liora felt her resolve crack. The spirit kissed her neck, its claws coiling around her waist. Her body responded with terror and strange heat. But deep within, past the fear and confusion, she remembered Kael’s embrace, his sacrifices. His love wasn’t a promise of eternity—it was a moment of truth. That was enough.

The blood-red mist thickened. Skeletons danced to the rhythm of the ritual, bones clattering like drums of war. The spirit pressed its lips to Liora’s, claiming her in front of Kael. He screamed her name, breaking the circle.

And still, she stepped forward.

The spirit grinned.

Its hand closed around her heart.

Kael’s scream echoed into the mist, swallowed whole.

Chapter 7: The Sacrifice

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