….
The air in Kalara's hut is filled with the overwhelming scent of crushed herbs.
The fire in the hearth crackles as tiny sparks are seen.
Kalara stands before a small tree stump, her face so pale with her hands trembling. On the stump, there lies the heart of the sacred raven she was compelled to get. It is small, no bigger than a fist, but it thrums with a low golden light that is so immense that it makes the air inside feel alive.
Isolde walks in with Gwyneria behind her.
"This is it," Kalara says. "I have it, Isolde. It wasn't easy. This is an abomination… the cost… might be too great and I'll have no share in that."
Isolde's face breaks into a slow, triumphant smile as she ignores her. Her eyes are filled with a terrifying glee, and are fixed on the golden heart of the bird. She walks toward the stump, her steps gait as though with a ruthless ambition. Gwyneria goes to a corner and watches from there, her own face pale, and her eyes filled with terror at Kalara's words.
