( Even now, he cannot bear to say the words aloud. The truth washes over her all the same, certain of what he refuses to face.
Strands of her hair lift as if there were suddenly a breeze. A faint glow surrounding her, Emilia interweaves her fingers, moves them until the magical image of a rue branch takes shape. The five stalks of her cimaruta symbol extend to encompass Haiva overhead. )
Enough. The people of Alem have demanded sacrifice.
( He will do.
The symbol needs one last push if the portal is to open beneath the prince — as above, so below. A looming shadow behind Emilia advances toward them, as if in reminder she was never alone. )
1/2
Strands of her hair lift as if there were suddenly a breeze. A faint glow surrounding her, Emilia interweaves her fingers, moves them until the magical image of a rue branch takes shape. The five stalks of her cimaruta symbol extend to encompass Haiva overhead. )
Enough. The people of Alem have demanded sacrifice.
( He will do.
The symbol needs one last push if the portal is to open beneath the prince — as above, so below. A looming shadow behind Emilia advances toward them, as if in reminder she was never alone. )