Home / Fantasy / Heir by Dawn / Chapter Sixteen: The Vault Awakens
Chapter Sixteen: The Vault Awakens
Author: Milky-Grip
last update2025-09-29 22:09:57

The vault doors groaned wider, stone grinding against stone, the sound drowning the cries of battle. An eerie light spilled into the hall pale, unnatural, pulsing like a living thing.

The air itself thickened, every breath heavy with centuries of secrets. Victor clutched Ethan’s arm. “What… what’s in there?”

Ethan didn’t answer. His eyes never left the yawning dark. Julian stepped into the glow, the master key still burning in his grip. His smile stretched wide, triumphant, unhinged. “At last,” he breathed.

“The empire’s true heart.” Garrick snarled, dragging his axe against the floor. “Don’t you dare set foot in there, boy.”

Julian turned, mocking. “Or what? You’ll kill me? You’ll kill the only man with the key?”

Garrick lunged, but Ethan’s hand shot out, halting him. “Wait,” Ethan growled. “If you strike now, you destroy the key. And then nothing will stop the collapse.”

Julian chuckled darkly. “Listen to him. He understands. He always did.” Victor shouted, his voice trembling. “Jul
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