*A/N: This chapter contains the ritual sacrifice of an animal. Reader discretion is advised.*

Cyran POV

Do it.

Just do it.

With the same strength she used to haul a cask of ale from a cart to the tavern storeroom, Zillah held down the red-and-white firefox hound. Just a pup, small and innocent, its paws bound together. “Do it,” she said.

Cyran raised the golden dagger and recited a brief spell under his breath. He could smell the firefox hound’s ...