"You can't stop them," Elric sneered. "You'll be the key to opening the seal."
"Then you're a fool," Oriana said, lifting her chin. "If you think blood alone gives you power, then you know nothing about the old magic."
"Enjoy your last moments," he spat before turning toward the coven.
The chanting grew louder now, rising like a tide. The witches raised their hands, and the air thickened with dark and cold power. Oriana clenched her fists, fingers trembling against the manacles.
They were going to start soon. She had little time left. She could hear their chant growing louder. She did not recognize the language they were speaking, but she could feel it in her bones. The flames of the violet torches flared high, licking at the sky as if summoned.
