Chapter 60: The Blood Price
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The chamber trembled violently, ancient stones grinding as if awakening from a century-long slumber. The cursed figure loomed, eyes burning with bitter fire, as Kael stepped forward, sword drawn but hands shaking with the weight of choice.
Lyra stood behind him, the storm inside her reaching a crescendo voices clamoring, memories bleeding into the present. Her breath hitched.
Oran's voice cut through the chaos.
"The curse demands a blood price either the blood of the innocent or the blood of the willing."
Kael's gaze met Lyra's fierce, determined, and unyielding.
"I'm not letting you do this alone."
Lyra shook her head.
"It's my burden, Kael. I've carried it longer than either of us know."
The cursed figure snarled.
"Choose quickly. Or Whisperwood will drown in its own lies."
In that instant, Lyra stepped forward, hands raised, whispering the names she'd carried, offering herself as the sacrifice to sever the roots binding the curse.
A blinding light engulfed the chamber.
When the light faded, the chamber was silent.
Lyra stood alone her eyes closed, her breath steady.
But Kael felt it deep in his bones something unsettling,like the curse is broken.
Or…
It has only just begun.