When Reine stopped speaking, the silence lasted several breaths. The story she had told didn't sound like a tale parents used to scare children. It felt like memory passed down through generation.
Roselys looked toward Reine with a pale face. Vencian caught the same thought in her expression. If Reine was meant to be sacrificed, then her bloodline wasn't common. The Hollow Eater wanted descendants of that royal line.
A thought rose in his head before he could stop it. If Reine is here, then who would they give instead? He imagined the villagers at night, the same pit, the same chant—only this time with Neine.
She's her sister. She has the same blood as her.
The idea made his stomach tighten. He didn't share it. Urgency settled in his chest like weight. They had to leave before those people could do the next offering.
They talked about some auspicious hours lasting till twelve hours long.
