"Look closely, Zavien." Damien spoke softly. "This is the ritual our messiah taught us."
Zavien leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on the altar below.
The slaves remained frozen on their knees, mouths half-open, eyes blank.
Not even a breath escaped them.
The ritual circle pulsed once again and slowly the bodies of the slaves began to float in the air.
The bodies rose, as if invisible strings were pulling them upward.
Chains slipped from their wrists and fell to the floor with dull clanks.
A captivating bright light bloomed at the top of the chamber.
"Do not look at the light!" Ralph's voice echoed and everyone looked down.
But the slaves didn't.
They kept staring at the light with smiles brighter than ever.
The light intensified, turning from bright to blinding.
The slaves' smiles widened, stretching unnaturally across their faces.
Tears streamed down their cheeks, but they didn't blink.
They looked… happy.
The first slave began to laugh.
