Chapter 216

Stardust, the white mare, paced nervously at the cliff's edge, her distressed whinnies cutting through the air. A torn scrap of crimson fabric fluttered from a jagged rock—the same shade as Evelyn's riding suit.

Nathaniel reined in Celestial Pursuit with a sharp tug. He dismounted in one fluid motion and strode to the precipice. His piercing gaze scanned the abyss below, but the chasm swallowed all light.

The thunder of approaching hooves announced Dominic, Harrison, and Jonathan's arrival.

Three sets of boots hit the ground simultaneously. Their expressions darkened as they took in the ominous scene.

Dominic shed his usual smirk, stepping forward to grip Nathaniel's shoulder. "I'm sorry, man."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened.

"Sorry?" His voice was ice. "Save your condolences." He turned toward his saddlebag, yanking out a coiled climbing rope. "I'm going down. You three—get a rescue team here now."

Harrison caught his arm. "Think this through, Nathaniel."

Dominic blocked his path. "That's suicide! We don't know what's down there!"

Jonathan retrieved the scarlet fabric fragment, examining it with a grimace. "Such a waste. She was so young—"

Nathaniel wrenched free. "Move. Or I'll throw you all off this cliff myself."

Sophia, Benjamin, and Gabrielle arrived just in time to see Nathaniel secure the rope around an ancient oak and step into the void.

"Uncle Nathaniel!" Sophia screamed.

Gabrielle's hands flew to her mouth. "No!"

Benjamin spurred his mount forward. "Idiot! He's roped in!"

Sophia hiccuped, wiping snot on her sleeve. "B-but what if Evelyn's—"

"Shut up and blow your nose." Benjamin tossed her a tissue pack. "You're disgusting."

Gabrielle stood frozen. The realization hit like a physical blow—Nathaniel would literally descend into hell for Evelyn.

What does that make Amelia?

The cliff's belly was a festering wound—dank, tangled, and lightless. Nathaniel's rope strained taut.

The bottom remained miles away.