Vale's POV
The symbols carved into the floor burst into flames the moment I stepped into the circle.
Pain shot through my body like lightning, starting at my feet and racing upward until every nerve was on fire. I tried to step back, but invisible walls held me trapped inside the burning circle.
"What's happening to me?" I screamed.
"The ritual has begun," Vincent said calmly. "The symbols are drawing out your moon magic. It's going to hurt quite a bit."
The flames weren't hot like normal fire. They were cold, freezing cold, but they burned worse than anything I'd ever felt. It was like ice was eating through my skin and into my bones.
"Stop!" I begged, falling to my knees. "Please, I'll do anything!"
"You are doing something," Vincent replied. "You're giving me your power."
Silver light started pouring out of my body like blood from a wound. It flowed into the carved symbols, making them glow brighter and brighter.
"Papa!" I called out desperately.
