Thomas enters the ossuary—a cathedral-sized chamber whose walls are composed of tens of thousands of skulls and bones arranged in geometric patterns predating human civilization.

Thomas descends into the crypt behind the chapel altar, exploring royal tombs and discovering layers of historical truth: King Aldric II empty legacy, Queen Eleanor trapped consciousness still searching for her dead daughter, Prince Malcolm suspicious tomb bearing coded symbols revealing he was...

Lily reveals her Grigori heritage and precognitive abilities. She volunteers to help Marcus prevent a convergence ritual planned for Sunday despite the mortal danger. Marcus learns his half-brother is leading the operation.

Thomas ascends to the bell tower and rings the chapel bell, summoning the seven cursed knights in spectral form. They manifest to explain their true purpose: for seven hundred years they've been guarding not to enforce the curse but to contain it, preventing others from discovering the Black...

Nine days after emerging, Cael and Tomas lead 30 soldiers back underground to find the Deep Forge. Camp at the first chamber where Karthians and Valorheim once camped together. Heading toward the Sunken City via Tomas's route.

Thomas touches the bloodstains on the altar and experiences visions of each of the seven knights during the transformation ritual. He witnesses Cadoc's terror and trust, Gareth's heartbreak leaving his sisters, Brennan's forgiveness even as corruption takes him, Daven's desperate final message,...

Five weeks after second ritual. Tomas questions Father Aldous about alternatives. Aldous reveals Progenitor weapons that could permanently kill Wurm Lords - "the forge beneath the first city" and "blade that cuts existence" with a "price beyond death."

Sentries spot 11 figures approaching. Cael recognizes Tomas and runs to meet him. Reunion - the blacksmith survived with 11 of 30 from Brennan's group. Tomas tells his story including killing a Wurm child and Brennan's death.

Four weeks after second ritual. General Marcus Thane arrives with 3,000 Southern Valorheim soldiers. He accuses the Alliance of conquest disguised as survival. Political tensions rise over sacrifice distribution and territorial claims.