THE ACCURSED BLESSING

The villagers, unaware of the treachery about to unfold, had gathered i

there was s

skin glistening with herbs and oils. The aroma filled the air, drawing murmurs

ather, but a strange unea

Father," she said, her sharp eyes studying

mile. "A man can

was a flicker of something in his

further, the sky shimmered,

had ar

a river of stars. Her eyes, kind and ancient, swept across the villagers, fill

ly touching the roasted stag. "A fine gift," s

low. "For you, Great One. A fea

"Then I shal

the fir

father exhale, as if he h

ts pa

lara st

hand to her head, her eyes fluttering. Her bre

ing wa

on and betrayal flickering in her g

en, sh

llapsed to her knees, her body succumbing t

emed to hold

n-Garro

blade, forged in secret for this very night. He

slammed against

was t

, his hands steady as he carved away her sa

ed from her body, a terri

em. The villagers clutched their heads as a wave of sorro

, locked onto Garron's. Tears o

omed them all,"

n-she v

, leaving behind only the blood-s

, there was

ttering the offerings, snuffing out the torche

o her knees, horro

dess wa

a's curse

-