# Chapter 97 – The Choice of Sacrifice
*Vanessa's POV*
The Void Wolf circled us like death itself. Its red eyes burned into my soul. I could feel its hunger. It wanted to devour everything. Our world. Our people. Everyone I loved.
My hands shook as I held the ancient artifacts. The crystal felt cold against my palm. The amulet burned hot against my chest. These old relics were our only hope now.
"Vanessa, don't do this," Kieran said behind me. His voice was rough with pain. Blood ran down his arm from the wolf's claws.
I didn't turn around. I couldn't look at him. If I saw his face, I might lose my courage.
"Someone has to," I whispered. "The binding ritual needs a life. You know this."
The wolf stopped moving. It watched me with those terrible eyes. It knew what I planned to do. Maybe it was curious. Maybe it was amused.
I raised the crystal higher. The old words came to my lips. Words in a language older than memory. Words that would cost me everything.
