The stone altar stood like an ancient sentinel in the heart of the forest clearing. Moss grew in patches over its surface, softening the hard edges that had withstood centuries of weathering. Surrounding it, a circle of smaller stones jutted from the earth, arranged in a pattern that felt deliberate rather than random.
I approached cautiously, my fingers outstretched toward the weathered surface. Before I could touch it, Landon's hand closed around my wrist.
"Let Ronan check it first," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I bit back a sharp retort. This wasn't the time to challenge his authority, especially with both Regina and Ronan watching us closely. Instead, I nodded and stepped back, allowing Ronan to approach the altar.
With careful movements, he began examining the stone surface, his fingers tracing the barely visible inscriptions carved into the ancient rock. His brow furrowed in concentration.
