Chapter 88 Plan of Sacrifice
Amara’s POV
There had been a brief silence on the battlefield. It felt subdued around me, as though the universe itself was holding its breath, even though the shouts and fights were still audible in the distance. Kian was bloodied but still standing, Rowan was hurt but still alive, and I... I could hardly feel my legs under me.
Mira rushed at me, her face covered with ash and perspiration, her cloak ripped. Something I had never seen before burned in her eyes: dread, but also conviction.
Her hands gripped my shoulders as she gasped, "Amara." "Pay attention to me. This can only be resolved in one way.
With a dry throat, I swallowed hard. "What do you mean?"
She looked back at the darkness and smoke where Lilith's army was closing in. Then she leaned closer and said words that were like knives in my chest.
You can tie her. The Hollow Witch is permanently sealed. But you have to sacrifice your life to do it.
My heart stopped beating. I momentarily lost my ability to breathe.
"What?" I shook my head and said quietly. "No, Mira, that isn't possible. There must be an alternative.
Her voice broke. "The secret is the connection in your blood. You are the final person in line to possess the moon's gift, which is powerful enough to imprison her. The only thing that can seal the hole she created is your sacrifice—your soul.
The weight of her words crushed me as I looked at her. My offering. My life.
From behind me came Rowan's feeble voice. "No, Amara, don't you dare." His body shook with pain as he attempted to force himself to his feet. "Don't even consider it."
Kian took a step forward, his eyes flaming and his mouth clenched. He glared at Mira and said roughly, "She's lying." "There must be an alternative. There must be.
Mira, however, did not recoil. With tears in her eyes, she glanced at them and then back at me. "I wish I were telling a lie. I wish there were an alternative route. However, this is the reality.
I felt the heat of the mark burning there as I put a shaky hand to my chest. The force that bound me to her, the witch's shadow, beat like a heartbeat. Perhaps Mira was correct. Perhaps my life was the key, and my blood was the lock.
Rowan's fingers trembled as he held my arm. "You dare not accept this. You dare not abandon me. I am unable to— His voice broke. "I can't let you go."
Kian balled his hands into fists. He spoke sharply, almost angrily. "You believe that we have gone this far just for you to pass away now? No. I will not permit it.
I glanced at my two partners, my two halves. I was ripped apart by their love, their pain, and their eyes.
But Mira's truth was too strong for me to ignore. I had personally witnessed the devastation. I had experienced Lilith's strength. They would all perish if she weren't stopped. The group. Kian Rowan. Everyone.
"It's worth it if my death saves them," I said, my voice breaking.
The air was shaken by Rowan's roar. "NO!"
Kian took hold of my shoulders and fiercely shook his head. "You have no right to say that! You dare not!
Mira only lowered her eyes, though, confirming in silence that what I had said was accurate.
And I already knew in my heart.
Like a sword against flesh, the quiet between us was piercing. Rowan had wild, yearning eyes. Kian's entire body was shaking with rage, and his jaw was clenched.
I had to steady my voice as I looked back into Mira's eyes. "I'll carry it out."
Rowan's hand hit the floor hard. "NO!" he screamed, spitting blood. "You're not giving up anything for her. I will not allow you to.
Kian moved ahead of me, his body forming a wall. He added hastily, "She doesn't mean it," as though dismissing it would cause it to disappear. She's simply afraid. Take it back, Mira. Inform her that she's mistaken.
But there was sadness in Mira's eyes. "I can't make this up. We shall all be consumed by the Witch if Amara doesn't comply.
Rowan's fingers tightened around mine, his hold intense despite his lack of strength. His voice cracked as he pleaded, "Please, Amara." "Remain with me. My companion is you. My sole hope. I will die with you if you do.
My eyes welled up with tears. "Rowan—"
Kian took hold of my other hand, his fingers shaking and feverish. "How about me?" His voice broke, each word laced with searing sorrow. "Do you believe I could survive without you? Would I just watch you give yourself up, do you think?
"I must," I said, shaking my head and shedding tears. "I can't allow her to prevail. I can't let this all go to waste.
Pale-faced, Rowan drew himself closer. "Then allow me to replace you. Instead, take my life. I will.
Kian yelled, "No, you'll simply exacerbate the situation. It is she, not you, who bears the mark. Only she can do it. Oh no! His eyes blazed as he turned on me. However, Amara, I won't let you leave. I will fight to the end to keep you alive.
Their sadness crashed over me like waves as their voices clashed. Between their affection and the weight of the world bearing down on me, I was trembling.
Then the earth shook. The air grew heavier.
A piercing, angry voice pierced the darkness.
"ENOUGH!"
The battlefield trembled. As the smoke rose, Lilith herself emerged into the hallowed grounds, her body encased in demonic power and her eyes burning like fire.
Her voice was a scream that shook my bones as she pointed directly at me.
"Amara!" she bellowed. "I own your soul!"
Her rage broke the air, and as her strength surged, the last line of defence fell.
And I was aware that I was almost at a decision.