SIXTY NINE

CAMILLE'S POV

The guards had an issue letting me in. Especially since I had told them I was visiting the Hector Menard.

But after a lot of back-and-forth bantering, the resolve of the first sentinel guard cracked, and he granted me access on the condition that I would only have a limited time inside and that I would be under strict supervision. I agreed to his terms despite knowing how stifling that would be.

We descended into the dark, musty crypt.

I noticed the air grew colder with each step, sending shivers down my spine. But it wasn't probably the chill air that was giving me goosebumps. It was seeing Hector again. Except this time, he would probably know who I was.

I wondered what he would think. Would he regret putting me through all that pain? Did he regret his choice? Would he wish he could turn back the hands of time and make a better choice?

The faint glow of torches lined the walls, casting eerie shadows that danced across the stone floor.

When we reached another section