The air inside the circle thickened, pressing against Seraphira's skin as though the shadows themselves were trying to pull her back into the vision.
Do you want to know, the voice purred, who cursed you?
Seraphira's breath caught. Her curse had always been a wound she couldn't touch, sharp with pain, dull with mystery.
Yes, she whispered, before she could think better of it.
Kaelreth stepped closer, shadows curling from his boots like smoke. Don't answer her. His voice was low, edged with warning.
The laughter that followed was rich, dark, and older than the stones of the keep. The Devil fears what you might learn.
Seraphira's eyes narrowed. Then tell me.
The shadows stirred, coiling into the vague shape of a woman, the same storm-eyed figure from her vision, though now her edges wavered like smoke in a strong wind.
I will, the spirit said, but all knowledge demands a price. I ask for one drop of your blood, freely given.
Kaelreth's hand shot out, catching her wrist before she could move. Do it, and you'll owe her. A witch's debt is not like a mortal's. They don't just take what you give, they take what you are.
The spirit's smile was sharp enough to cut glass. And yet, little flame, without me, you will walk blind into the fire. What burns you now will destroy you later. One drop… and you will see your enemy's face.
The temptation was a weight in her chest. Knowledge. Truth. The face of the one who had stolen her power, her place, her future.
Her gaze flicked to Kaelreth. If I don't know who they are, how can I fight them?
His grip tightened. By living long enough to try. A bargain like this will stain you, Seraphira. Once you step into witchcraft, you don't come out the same.
The spirit's voice dropped to a whisper that seemed to curl right into Seraphira's ear. One drop, child… and you will never be their prey again.
Her pulse thundered. Slowly, she drew the small dagger from her belt.
Kaelreth's eyes blazed with anger. If you do this, little flame, you do it without my protection.
Her fingers hovered over the blade's edge, and for the first time in her life, Seraphira realized she was no longer certain which side of the line she stood on.