ELAYNE'S POV

The air in the forbidden forest had the scent of copper and damp earth, but I don't pay much attention to it and instead tighten the ribbon around my wrist and then step closer to the altar, placing my feet very carefully so that I don't end up stepping on the circle that's been carved into the ground.

The ritual lines I drew are now glowing faintly with chalk and blood mingled together under moonroot dust---- just as the witch had said it should be.

“She bleeds with ...