Isabella was about to step forward, but unexpectedly, Elder Joe from the vampire clan and Monica beat her to it, moving ahead.
"I'm of direct lineage, my blood will do just fine," Monica said calmly. Following Principal Danton's cue, she sliced open her arm, letting the bright red blood flow into the groove on the altar.
Elias and Isabella exchanged glances, their expressions subtly complex.
They quickly approached, with Elias frowning as he intently watched the blood slowly swirling in the groove, forming a complex and intricate circular pattern—a magical rune.
Then, the rune lit up brilliantly, and the control room, along with the magical structure hidden beneath the castle, creaked to life. In that moment, everyone's face was bathed in a ghostly blue glow.
This place was as intriguing as Principal Danton had described, Elias thought, feeling it was almost sci-fi. He watched magical images float and surround them.
