Her eyes darted away:
"Because he laced it with a trap. It burns anyone who tries to interfere with it. I've seen it myself—a chosen tried once. The moment he touched the seal, the flames consumed him. He was scorched down to the bone."
I tilted my head slightly, the faintest trace of amusement slipping into my voice.
"Oh… is that so?" I muttered.
She swallowed, clearly unsure if I believed her.
I leaned a little closer, my tone softening but still edged with threat.
"Anything else I should know?"
She hesitated, her lips trembling as if she was weighing whether to lie or stay silent. I didn't have the patience for either.
With a sharp motion, I swung [Gravefang]—not to kill, just enough to make a point. The blade's edge clipped her ear, carving a shallow line that drew a thin trickle of blood. She let out a pained gasp, eyes widening as tears welled up from the sting.
"Speak," I ordered, my tone flat but heavy with intent.
