Chapter 49

• The mountains loomed into view, rising beyond a tapestry of vibrant autumn leaves. The road twisted higher as we approached the estate, winding like a serpent through the forest.
• Then, without warning, the dense woods began to thin, revealing a massive rock on the roadside that immediately drew my attention.
• “Wait in the car,” Gosto said, pulling over and parking right in front of the stone. I watched him retrieve a signet ring from his jacket pocket and slide it onto the little finger of his left hand. It was made entirely of a sleek, obsidian-black stone, polished to a mirror-like shine.