Warlock Ch 254. The Ritual
The walk back to the house was uneventful, the warm afternoon sun casting long shadows over the cobbled streets. Damian's mind was buzzing with thoughts about the exam, the lie they'd concocted about Varak's crystals, and what kind of challenges he might face. By the time he reached the house, he was too distracted to notice the faint, acrid smell wafting through the open window.
When he pushed open the door, the pungent scent hit him like a wall. It wasn't the usual herbal aroma that lingered after Evelyn's experiments—it was something darker, sharper, and entirely unfamiliar. Wrinkling his nose, Damian stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I'm home," he called out, his voice trailing off as his eyes landed on the scene before him.
