Silverin, driven by righteous fury and desperation, clenched her fist tightly until blood dripped between her fingers. Raising her bloodied hand towards the sky, she cried out:
"Goddess of Light, who judges the wicked and protects the innocent! Accept this offering, this sacrifice! May the strength of my life be turned into judgment! May your wrath fall upon this profane creature! Let the flames of your justice burn it!"
The remaining gargoyle let out a piercing shriek, writhing in pain. A dark and putrid aura, visible even through the dust, emanated from its body. Silverin's curse had taken effect. But at a terrible cost.
Offering blood to enhance sacred abilities was a sacrilege, an act strictly forbidden by the Church of Light.
The gargoyle's shriek, amplified by the cave's acoustics, woke Mikaela. She stood up, disoriented, her head throbbing.
"Ugh..." she groaned, bringing her hand to her temple. "What happened...?"
