THE LAST CONFESSIONPope Adrian VII stood alone in the hidden chamber for the final time. The torches burned lower than usual, their light unsteady, as if even the flames understood what was about to end. The ancient walls, once alive with whispers, were silent now.It was over.The Umbræ were gone—sealed beyond reach, their darkness driven back by sacrifice and truth. The Veil had been restored, stronger than ever. The world above would never know how close it came to ruin.But Adrian knew the truth. And truth, he had learned, was never without cost.He walked slowly toward the altar, where the